Dr. Carl G. Jung wrote about the "shadow self" this is the personality that develops at the unconscious level (usually the opposite of the way we would like to see ourselves). If you've ever had a thought that made you say to yourself "why did I do that?" then you have experienced the shadow. The shadow is what makes us do things without us liking it. It's the thing that makes us identify with the antagonist in a movie or book, even when the character is awful (which is why horror pictures are so popular in culture because we CAN identify with the villain).
But just because we CAN identify with a "shadow" doesn't mean we ARE our shadow, far from it. But our unconscious mind can understand things and know things that we are not consciously aware of, that's why it's called the "unconscious mind".
So the next time you're at the theatre and you find yourself rooting for the villain, just remember, that's the "shadow self" that likes to see it other people's way. Which, incidentally, if you have a strong shadow then that means you're able to be compassionate towards others even when you might not agree with them.
Of course, the shadow is also made up of two parts. The part we just described (which is called the "dark" shadow) and the other part Jung called the "bright" shadow. The bright shadow is when you identify unconsciously with the good in others even though you your self aren't aware of such a trait in yourself. If you have admired something in another person then you have some of that trait in you. Whether you are conscious of it or not.
Let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Liz Greene, who said, "The shadow is BOTH the awful thing that needs redemption AND the suffering redeemer who can provide it". Makes me see where religion comes from.
All my Best,
KnightShade
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hi mate thanks for the reply I like what you put that shadow in my case is ocd and thats what it does to me make me feel the opposite of what I want being gay is not the only thing I obsses about but its the strongest iv been scared of gay people I suppose dont know if its been bcos I dont want to be I have met gay people that I thought was really nice people and maybe should try and be friends with some and face my fears if I was gay I would know in my heart is that how it is?
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iv masterbated of thoughts of being gay but it wernt the pleasur I was doin it for it was a release of the thoughts the anxiaty just to be rid of it I feel a little better talking to someone thanks if I really was gay and really wanted it I dont think id care but its scary when it seems like somthing is controlling me to think it lol
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You're normal, HOCD. LOL!!
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