When Dreams Carry Shadows: The Paradox of Creative Power
You Create Your Reality
Across different religious traditions, the belief that we create our own reality is not only a spiritual truth but also a practical guide for how we navigate life. From the Torah to the teachings of the Buddha, this principle remains a constant thread throughout time. In these teachings, the emphasis is on how words, beliefs, and actions coalesce to shape not only our external circumstances but also our internal experiences. These ancient wisdoms remind us that the power to create lies within us, and that we hold the keys to shaping our lives.
The Power of Words: A Torah Perspective
The Torah teaches that words hold the power of life and death, which mirrors our own inner dialogue. When we speak to ourselves with love and belief, we plant seeds of growth and healing. In the same way that God created the world with His words, we too have the power to create and shape our reality through the words we speak. This sacred truth reminds us that the language we use—both outwardly and inwardly—can either nurture our soul or limit our potential.”There are many sections in the Torah which support this. Proverbs 18:21 says: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse reflects the idea that words are not just sounds; they shape reality, influence outcomes, and even determine the spiritual quality of the world around us. This idea ties into the concept that the language we use, including the words we say to ourselves, shapes the way we experience life.
“In the same way that God created the world with His words, we too have the power to create and shape our reality through the words we speak.”
We see the idea of free will and the power to shape our destiny in Deuteronomy 30:19 which says: "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live." This passage reflects the idea that we have the power to choose our actions, and by extension, our future. Choosing life (making decisions aligned with goodness, growth, and positive values) actively shapes the course of our lives and impacts our reality. The idea that God created the world through the power of words, is in Genesis 1:3: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This suggests that speaking things into existence is a core principle not only in creation but also in shaping our reality. Furthermore Genesis 1:26 states "Then God said, 'Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.'" Judaism teaches that humans are created in the image of God, and this idea is often interpreted to mean that humans have the divine potential for creativity and co-creation. If God is the Creator, humans, too, have the ability to create, especially when aligned with divine purpose.
Other Religious Teachings on Manifesting Reality
The idea of creating our reality through words and belief is also echoed in other traditions. In Christianity, for example, we find Jesus speaking about the power of belief and faith to shape our world. In the bible, Mark 11:23, Jesus says: "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." This illustrates the power of belief and faith in shaping the world around us. It's not about external forces but the inner power of conviction. In Matthew 6:10 it says, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." So just as God in heaven has the power to will the universe into existence, we have the power to create the life we desire here on Earth. this is supported by Matthew 8:13, “Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.” This shows that through belief, and faith we have the power to shape reality.
“So just as God in heaven can will the Universe into existence, we have the power to create the life we desire here on Earth.”
We can see this belief in manifesting reality in other religions. The Buddha said, "The mind is everything. What you think, you become." This is a direct statement on the power of the mind to shape one's reality, and it emphasizes the importance of cultivating right thoughts to change your life. In Hinduism, the Upanishads and other ancient texts also teach that the mind has the power to shape reality. In particular, the Maitri Upanishad states: "As a man’s thoughts, so is his life; as a man’s life, so is his destiny." And in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, there is a strong emphasis on karma (action) and how one's intentions and actions shape one's future. Karma is the principle of cause and effect, where every action has a consequence. In this sense, individuals are seen as creators of their reality based on their actions and intentions.
Words, Thoughts, and Visualization — Not Separate Entities.
Words are the tool needed to express ideas both to others and to ourselves. We can’t have an inner dialogue if there are no words to communicate thoughts. In the same way that the words we speak shape the world around us, the words we silently speak to ourselves shape our inner world. Our thoughts—spoken aloud or internally—are the very foundation of our beliefs and actions.
I have found that thoughts focused on goal-setting have been crucial for me when it comes to building something substantial in my life. It’s like the old saying, “A ship, no matter how how well built, will just drift if it has no destination. You need to plot a course, and if you veer a little off, you can realign yourself. Why? Becasue you have a vision for your life, and you have goals for achieving that vision, with action steps to get you there. That’s why vision boards work, as long as you envison what is meaningful to you and you focus on it with emotional intensity. When we focus our thoughts on positive, meaningful goals, and speak them into existence, we are, in essence, beginning to shape the reality we wish to experience. This process goes beyond just wishing or hoping—it’s a purposeful act of creation.
But here's the deeper truth: Words, thoughts, and visualization are not separate entities. They are interconnected forces that work together to manifest our desires. Let me explain:
Thoughts are seeds. Every idea you think, whether positive or negative, is like a seed being planted in your mind. You may not realize it, but your thoughts are continuously shaping your subconscious mind. This is why positive thoughts about your goals or dreams are so important—they plant seeds for success.
Words are the tools for growth. Words give life to those thoughts. If thoughts are seeds, then words are the water that nourish them. For example, when you speak affirmations or express your desires aloud, you are feeding your thoughts with the energy and intention they need to grow. Whether it's "I am capable of achieving my goals" or "I am worthy of success," these words are creating pathways for your thoughts to manifest into reality.
Visualization is the blueprint. Visualization is like the architectural design for the manifestation. It is not enough to simply think and speak; you need to see it. Visualization turns your thoughts and words into a mental image, a clear plan for what you want to create. This mental image provides the framework that guides your actions, helping you stay focused and aligned with your goals.
Belief is the catalyst. Belief is the fuel that powers your thoughts, words, and visualizations. Without belief, no amount of positive thinking or visualizing will lead to action. You need to believe that what you're visualizing and speaking is possible. Belief shifts your energy and opens doors that were previously closed, creating opportunities you may not have seen before.
The Power of Words and Manifestation: A Connected System
When these four elements—thoughts, words, visualization, and belief—are combined, they form a powerful system of creation. Imagine your mind as a garden, where thoughts are seeds, words are the water, visualization is the design, and belief is the sunlight. When all of these elements are working together, your garden can flourish into the life you desire.
But here's the catch: The process of manifestation isn’t just about what you want to create. It’s about aligning your inner world with your desires. If there’s discord between your conscious thoughts and subconscious beliefs, it can create resistance, preventing you from fully manifesting your desires. This is why it’s important to not just think about your goals, but to believe in them, speak them into existence, and visualize them as already being a part of your reality.
Practical Steps to Manifestation
To help you align your thoughts, words, and beliefs with your goals, here are some actionable steps you can take:
Write down your goals and speak them aloud each day. Affirm that these goals are achievable and that you are worthy of success. This practice allows you to turn your thoughts into concrete desires and sets the stage for action.
Visualize your success. Take time each day to imagine yourself living the life you desire. See it, feel it, and believe in it with all your heart. Visualization helps activate your subconscious mind and moves you toward the reality you’ve envisioned..
Live as if your dreams are already true. Begin to take actions that align with the life you are creating. Trust in your vision, and as you align your actions with your beliefs, you will begin to manifest the reality you desire.
Conclusion: Words, Thoughts, and Belief—A Sacred Path of Creation
In the end, you are not just creating a life through passive hope—you are actively co-creating with the universe through the power of your thoughts, words, and belief. By consciously choosing what you focus on, speak about, and visualize, you are setting the stage for profound change in your life.
Remember, as you walk the path of manifestation, it’s not just about achieving external success—it’s about aligning your inner world with your highest truth and potential. As you do so, you’ll find that the life you dream of is not just a possibility, but a reality waiting to be created.
How I Manifest My External Environment
One way I manifest the reality I want is through visualization of those goals. Professional athletes have used this technique as part of their training to achieve peak perfomance, and I incorporate this into my daily life. In great detail, I imagine myself giving talks about my book in front of a large audience, giving radio and television interviews, giving book readings and book signings. I visualize myself on the TEDx stage sharing my healing journey from childhood trauma. I even visualize myself responding with calmness when my children misbehave. I record these visualizations and played them back until they become embedded in my mind.
Also, when I use vision boards to visualize goals that are meaningful to me, and focus on those images with emotional intensity, it helps me to slowly pull them into the present. I actually have my kitchen cabinets filled with images of speaking in front of large audiences, images of people doing challenging yoga postures, and images of the TEDx stage. And these images have inspired me to take steps towards achieving my goals.
Visualization helps you to be consistent. and the momentum you build from consistency is very powerful. I used this technique with great success when strengthening my yoga practice. I would frequently imagine myself following a sequence of postures, and doing various breathwork exercises. From doing yoga for many years, I completely changed my body, and I was able to control my anxiety and regulate my nervous system. I even used breathwork to get me through a having a rather large cavity filled without any novicane. So it’s possible to train yourself to do amazing things with practice. Another method of manifesting reality is by using affirmations. If this interests you, check out my post How to Nurture Your Divine Seed with Positive Self-Talk.
The Paradox of Shadows in Creation
Manifesting the life we desire is powerful, but the process is not always as simple as it seems. For just as seeds planted in rich soil can grow, so too can shadows take root in the fertile ground of our unconscious mind. What happens when we are unaware of the seeds we are planting? What happens when the world we create begins to betray us?Karl Jung said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” And this is a crucial aspect of this entire process of the power of the imagination. Because we don’t always know what part of us is doing the creating. Is it the part of us that’s filled with light, vision, and healing? Or is it the part of us we buried—the fear, the rejection, the grief we haven’t yet faced?
“Even in the garden of light, shadows take root”
You have to not only develop an awareness of your how your unconscious affects you, but you need to influence your unconscious, retrain it so it is your servant, not your master. You can do this by checking your inner dialogue. Pay attention to the words you say to yourself. If you notice negative or self-doubting thoughts, replace them with affirming and empowering words. Your inner dialogue has the power to either lift you up or hold you back—choose it wisely. Or else you will find yourself following the template from your childhood and repeating the patterns that you learned to help you survive. There. is a big differnece between survival and self-actualization. And until you progress farther on the path, your ability to manifest will be influenced by your unconscious survival needs.
In Unbroken Legacy the Shadows Co-Create
In Unbroken Legacy: The Divine Seed, Isabella possesses an extraordinary gift—the power to imagine a world and bring it into being. With sketches and dreams and whispered mantras, she manifests Monsterville: a whimsical realm filled with candy-colored trees, talking monsters, and light-hearted magic. But even this dreamscape is not immune to darkness. Because Isabella’s creation, as radiant as it is, was not made from pure light. It was shaped by everything she carried inside her—including fear. And in that fear, something old stirred. Something ancient. Something hungry.
The Beast, in its purest form, is not a monster she dreamed up. It is older than her. Older than her father.
It is the embodiment of pain, shame, fear, and powerlessness—the kind that lives inside all of us. Not just personal trauma, but the collective unconscious: the generational ache of being human.
This entity once clung to Horatio’s family line, hiding in shadows. But when Isabella—a frightened girl in the throes of a panic attack—created a monster out of fear, the Beast saw its chance. It wasn’t created by her. But it was given a body by her. This is the terrifying and tender truth at the heart of the story: The imagination is sacred. But it is not safe. It builds with what we feed it—which begs the question, what reality are you creating?
In Monsterville, this paradox takes form. As Isabella creates, her unconscious pain helps shape what’s built. As she dreams, so too does the Beast awaken. This story is a mirror, and it asks us: “What if the world you’re building isn’t just shaped by what you hope—but also by what you haven’t healed?” Because the garden blooms with all that lives inside you—both the light, and the shadows it casts.
What Can You Do Create the Life You Desire?
This process of manifesting your reality and embracing your shadow is not instantaneous—it’s a continuous journey of growth. Much like a flower that blooms over time, true transformation requires patience and self-awareness. Just as in Isabella’s story in Unbroken Legacy, we are called to create and become, shedding light on both our strengths and shadows. The question now is: What part of your reality are you co-creating, and how can you embrace your full self on this journey?
Practical Steps to Embrace the Shadow
integrating the shadow doesn’t have to be overwhelming or something that will take years to work through. It’s more about creating awareness and shifting how we engage with our darker aspects. Here are some practical action steps you can offer your readers to begin embracing their shadow:
1. Acknowledge the Shadow
Action Step: Take time to reflect on the parts of yourself you tend to avoid or deny. These might be feelings, behaviors, or aspects of your personality that you've labeled as “bad” or “undesirable.” Begin by journaling about these areas. Ask yourself: What do I feel ashamed or afraid to confront in myself? Write without judgment—just observe.
Example: You might recognize a tendency toward anger that you suppress, or perhaps an unresolved fear of rejection. Write about these tendencies without trying to "fix" them.
2. Accept the Shadow
Action Step: Practice self-compassion. Understanding that every human being has a shadow side is key. Embrace the truth that your shadow isn’t inherently "bad"—it’s part of being human. Practice saying, “I accept all parts of myself” as a daily mantra. This helps to soften your resistance and begin the healing process.
Example: When you notice a judgmental thought about yourself or others, pause and say to yourself, I accept myself for having this judgmental thought, but I am not defined by it. This helps reduce the shame tied to negative traits. As one of my students told me once, “People make mistakes. That’s why pencils have erasers.”
3. Observe Reactions in Daily Life
Action Step: The shadow often shows up in our reactions to others. Notice when you feel strong negative emotions—such as irritation, jealousy, or anger—toward others. Instead of dismissing these emotions, ask yourself, What is this revealing about my own fears or insecurities?
Example: If you feel jealousy toward a colleague’s success, ask yourself what that feeling of jealousy is about. Is it about your own sense of inadequacy? This can reveal parts of yourself that may need healing.
4. Engage in Self-Inquiry
Action Step: Self-inquiry is a powerful tool to uncover the shadow. Use simple questions like, Why did I react that way? What am I afraid of? Get curious about your emotional responses and ask what deeper belief or unhealed wound might be behind it.
Example: If you find yourself avoiding conflict, ask, What is it about conflict that feels unsafe? Dive into the answer and explore any past experiences that might be influencing your present-day reaction.
5. Shift Your Perspective with Mindfulness
Action Step: Cultivate mindfulness through daily meditation or breathing exercises. This helps you become more aware of your thoughts and reactions in real-time, creating space between stimulus and response. When you’re more present, you can better observe when the shadow arises and choose not to react from it.
Example: Practice mindfulness for 5-10 minutes every morning. Focus on your breath and allow any thoughts or emotions that arise to be seen without judgment. This practice helps you create awareness of your shadow as it comes up.
6. Integrate the Shadow with Compassion
Action Step: Begin integrating what you learn from your shadow into your everyday life by acting with compassion. Once you identify a part of yourself you’ve denied or repressed, choose to approach it with curiosity instead of judgment. Actively work on bringing that part into the light.
Example: If you uncover a tendency to be overly critical of yourself, commit to practicing more self-kindness. Each time you catch yourself being self-critical, replace the thought with a more compassionate one, such as, I am doing the best I can, and that is enough.
7. Release Old Patterns Through Forgiveness
Action Step: Embrace the shadow by releasing the grip of past hurts and traumas. Start by forgiving yourself for the things you've done or thought in the past. This helps loosen the shadow's hold and allows you to move forward without the weight of old baggage.
Example: Sit quietly and reflect on past regrets or things you feel guilty about. Write them down on paper, then symbolically release them—perhaps by tearing the paper or burying it in the ground.
8. Shadow Integration Through Creative Expression
Action Step: Engage in creative activities such as art, writing, or music. These outlets can help you process and release emotions connected to the shadow, as creative work often comes from the deeper parts of the unconscious.
Example: Try creating a piece of art that represents your shadow. This can be a physical manifestation of how you feel about a certain aspect of yourself. Allow yourself to express what you may not have words for.
9. Seek Support
Action Step: Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for support. Sometimes, we need a mirror—someone to help us see the parts of ourselves we can’t fully face. This could be a therapist, coach, or trusted friend who is willing to help you on your journey.
Example: Consider joining a support group or working with a therapist who specializes in shadow work, trauma, or inner healing.
10. Celebrate Your Progress
Action Step: Finally, celebrate your progress. Every step you take toward embracing your shadow is an important step in your growth. Don’t rush the process—embrace it for what it is, and acknowledge how far you’ve come.
Example: Keep a journal of your experiences with shadow work, noting both the challenges and the breakthroughs. Revisit these entries over time to see how much progress you’ve made.
Remembering Your Power in the Journey of Soul Recovery
Just as God created the world with words, we too have the power to create the world around us. Choosing our words wisely doesn't just affect our external world; it has the power to transform our internal landscape—reshaping our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our reality. The first step to healing is recognizing that the language you use holds power. Speak to yourself with love, speak your truth, and watch how it transforms your life. But also, you need to transform or embrace the shadows through the process of healing. And that takes time. It is a process of unfolding, much like a flower coming into bloom, and much like the DelaFleur family, going through the process of becoming.
“By choosing our words wisely, we can reshape our thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, our reality.”
