On an airplane, before we help others, we have to put on our own mask first.
In ordainary life, many often choose to help others first, as a way of distracting from meeting their own needs.
Self inquiry can be challenging, painful even traumatic. Embracing our shadow is hard. It’s a side of ourselves we’d rather we didn’t have to deal with.
The trouble is, skipping the first step often leads to less not more happiness. Our shadow is where the real work is. It’s a tough job but you’re the only one who can do it.