Shadow

Without shadows how can you see the light? ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

It would seem that Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog of Groundhog’s Day made the following proclamation:

“As I look to the crowd of Gobbler’s Knob

Many shadows do I see

So six more weeks of winter it must be.”

This is humorous because we will always have six more weeks of winter astronomically; and, in the southern hemisphere, they will have six more weeks of summer.  This brings up the topic of the shadow. Shadows have usually taken on a negative meaning; but, how can you have any contrast without shadows. Shadows bring positive aspects of our lives into the light. Shadows should be honored and recognized for their role in our lives. In art, shadows help one to create depth in an art piece. Shadows are what make circles appear to look like spheres and squares into cubes. 

It was Charles Dickens who stated:  There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast.  Indeed, Mr. Dickens is correct for you see, stars shine brightly in the dark shadow of the night sky; whereas in the morning light they fade into the background. This example clearly illustrates the importance of shadows in our lives. That being said, we need not walk into darkness of the shadows but only honor them. As Walt Whitman once said, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Furthermore, you need not look back into those shadows; but, if you do, remember the light is just ahead of you. How can you honor those shadows in your life and see the light before you?

Related articles

• Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts The Weather (huffingtonpost.com)
• Groundhog Day 2012: Punxsutawney Phil Sees Shadow, Predicts More Winter (VIDEO) (blippitt.com)