Shame is like the all too familiar dream of being forced to use a completely exposed public toilet. The toilet might be in the midst of Grand Central Station. The toilet may be horrifically backed up. There may not even be a toilet seat, or anything other than a hole. But one thing is certain, you have to go, now, and, hence, you are totally exposed.

The dream is depicting the total loss of a coverup, the persona that knows how to dress up and hide imperfection. Nature forces us to remove that mask as we expose the state that we are truly in. And, of course, we are deeply unacceptable, seen for what we truly believe ourselves to be: imperfect, just plain ordinary or, of course, seriously flawed.

A great concert pianist just died, at age 99. Early on in his career he left the performance stage, so fearful was he of the public eye. Such is the noose of perfection that stifles the expression of one’s capabilities upon the world stage. And being alive means being upon that world stage.

Carlos Castaneda preached: “Suspend Judgment!” He poked fun at us, mercilessly, during workshops, that we might finally get over the human curse of our own self-importance.

When we were thrown out of Eden for the brashness of becoming conscious, we were exposed to our own nakedness and had to classify it. The conclusion: we were not enough, or too lustfully burdened. SHAME!

The Lust/Strength card, of the Crowley tarot deck, pictures a voluptuously naked woman, completely relaxed in her beingness, easily taming the beast around her. This is hardly about her sexuality.

No, this is her naked acceptance of herself and her passion to advance life in total fulfillment of her desire, without judgment.

This is about an intensity of strength that transcends confidence. It’s  fully embracing, being, and reflecting, the true luster of Self.

What shame could there possibly be in that,
Chuck