The Dark Side - Dark Matters/Energies

One of the bathroom lights burned out and I was impressed by the beauty in the play of light and shadow I had never seen there before. I have a similar experience looking at the "dark side" of the Essential Disciplines list on which these blogs are based. Back to "real" life, shit happens, might as well accept it and learn from it! Take some time to scan the dark side of the disciplines list and you will find there is a lot to be gained there. Besides, if light was all light and joy we wouldn't have the beautiful play of light and dark we find in so many places. This recurring theme showed up again when I read "Interior Castles" by Saint Theresa of Avila where she states the closer we get to enlightenment/God, the more pain and suffering will be thrown at us. It is also a major premise of Buddhism, the first "Noble Truth," life has suffering. There are remedies however, take a look there. Bottom line, a full and complete life will have plenty of darkness along with the light, plenty of pain and sorrow accompanying the joy and blessings. We are wise to prepare ourselves and use this dark energy and dark matters as best we can for the greater good of ourselves and others. Also check out the post "Whole and Complete" and Before the Morning .