Our brightest light can shine only when we’ve acknowledged our darkness.

I just watched Debbie Ford’s new movie The Shadow Effect. It’s very dramatic with fabulous production values and lighting. The message is right on target, and I loved the urgency of this film.

In a montage of familiar news clips and images, Debbie introduces us to our dark side and invites us to confront our own shadows. Shadow work—acknowledging what we’re afraid of, ashamed of, feel we must hide from—is our essential human homework. This is the work that must precede everything else. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t benefit from watching this movie.

Debbie shares her own journey in The Shadow Effect. She had been in several rehab facilities for drug addiction. She was heartbroken from her parent’s divorce. One day she got down on her knees and begged to be released from her craving for drugs. And something essential changed within her. It was from that moment that she developed her Shadow work and her Shadow workshop.

The Shadow Effect contains the poignant words of many great teachers such as Deepak Chopra, James Van Praagh, David Simon, M.D. and Verdine White (co-founder of the groundbreaking ’70s musical group: Earth, Wind & Fire). The stories of those who have worked with their shadows were very moving, very life-affirming. What a great movie to watch with your family, your coworkers, your loved ones! Two thumbs up—three if I had a third hand!