How often are we shocked and appalled by the insensitive, uncaring or cruel behavior of others? How often do we pass judgment on the actions of others without taking time to examine and study what might be behind those actions? How often do we attempt to drive out the darkness found in another using only the small flashlight of a limited perspective? All too often, I fear.
Dealing with the darkness of other people challenges us daily. What are we to do? How are we to effectively drive out the darkness in others with limited understanding of the dark/light relationship. When we understand the nature of the dark/light relationship, we can begin to understand how Darkness Begets Light.
Carl Jung once said, “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of other people.” I believe Carl Jung understood this paradoxical dark/light relationship. He understood the need and necessity of exploring and understanding our own personal darkness prior to dealing with the darkness of another. I have often said that any one of us is capable of almost any kind of dark deed if given the right circumstances. When we embrace this reality, we are one step closer to facing the darkness of others. When we understand the nature of our own darkness, we no longer have to be surprised by the actions of others. We realize that given the right set of circumstances, we too might find ourselves acting similarly. When this happens, the darkness of others no longer intimidates or confounds us. We have a handle on it. Our understanding gives us the power to re-direct, deflect or deflate the darkness of others. Understanding our own personal darkness keeps us from using the limited power of a flashlight and opens the door for us to cast the spotlight of understanding on the darkness we face.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I believe that Dr. King understood the futility of attempting to drive out darkness with darkness. He knew that only light – the bright light of justice, love and mercy – is the only way to drive out and destroy darkness. In order to shine this light on darkness, we must, from time-to -time, absorb the darkness of others. By absorbing, I do not mean agree with. No. I mean that we must absorb it, take it on as if it were a part of us. We can do this when we have adequately explored our own personal darkness. By absorbing and understanding it, we essentially neutralize its power over us. Once that power is neutralized, we can freely shine the light of understanding, decency and truth on the darkness and drive it out. We can open the door for the insertion of love.
I know that this might be a bit convoluted; however, the power we acquire by exploring and understanding our personal darkness will provide us a way to eliminate hate in this world.
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
