Boomerang vs shadow

What’s the difference between the boomerang in Living Inquiries and the shadow?

The shadow refers to seeing in others what I don’t like and don’t fully acknowledge in myself. The other is a direct mirror. If I judge the other in words, I can turn those words around to myself and find specific examples of how that’s true.

The boomerang question is more open: What does the situation say about me? We are looking for an identity triggered by the situation, and there may be a range of identities triggered.

So for instance, someone in my household is not doing their dishes.

Shadow: She is sloppy -> I am sloppy. She is irresponsible -> I am irresponsible. For each, find at least three specific examples of how that’s as or more true than the initial statement.

Boomerang: What does it say about me? What identities get triggered in me? I am responsible. I am tidy. (Inflated selves.) I am a victim. (Of her messiness, a deficient self.)

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Initial notes…..

  • Boomerang vs Shadow
  • Shadow – see in others what don’t like or fully acknowledge in oneself. The other is a quite direct mirror. Can turn it around to self quite easily.
  • Boomerang – what does the situation say about me? Can lead to finding a range of deficient/inflated selves. Is more open, rich, unexpected.
  • For instance, someone not doing her dishes.
  • Shadow – she is sloppy, irresponsible –> I am sloppy, irresponsible. Find specific examples for how that is true.
  • Boomerang – I am responsible. I am tidy. (inflated selves.) I am a victim. (Of her messiness, deficient self.)

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