Shadow Work

What is Shadow Work?

Shadow Work is a type of psychotherapy, a form of treatment that helps individuals identify and change their negative thoughts, balance their emotions, and regulate their behaviors. It may also be referred to as "talk therapy," counseling, or psycho-social therapy.

Engaging in Shadow Work requires bravery, as it involves delving into and accepting the aspects of ourselves that we tend to suppress out of shame or due to past traumatic experiences. These hidden parts are often buried within us as a means of self-protection, stemming from our desire to shield ourselves from further pain. However, it's important to be aware that by repressing these hurts and traumas, we hinder our ability to fully process and heal from them, causing our shadow self to manifest as emotional triggers.

Shadow Work and Counseling

Counseling and shadow work are both methods for improving mental well-being and health, with the goal of increasing self-awareness. However, they differ in their approaches. Counseling focuses on addressing specific issues and behaviors using a professional approach, while shadow work focuses on exploring and integrating the unconscious aspects of one's psyche, often in a more introspective and self-directed manner. Another distinction is that counseling maintains focus on specific issues and behaviors in one's life to gain a better understanding of current challenges, guided by a professional who assists in navigating issues and developing coping mechanisms. On the other hand, shadow work is done solely by the individual to navigate and integrate changes within the psyche, and can also bring to light issues that arise.

Where the term 'Shadow Work' originated

Shadow Work, a term first coined by Carl Jung around 1945, refers to the parts of our psyches that we tend to hide or do not like to acknowledge. According to Jung, by acknowledging and accepting our Shadow, we can gain a better understanding of who we truly are. History and Uses of Shadow Work: Shadow Work can be traced back to Carl Jung, the founder of Jungian Psychology. Jung believed that we all have two parts to our psyches - the Persona (public self) and the Shadow (hidden self). He proposed using therapy to bring forth the person's unconscious into their consciousness, to positively integrate them into their personalities. The goal was to assist people in achieving true authenticity of self by working with the Shadow.

How Shadow Work May Positively Affect You

Working with the shadow has many benefits, including improved confidence and self-esteem, better embracing of your creative side, improved relationship building with yourself and others, and better clarity on your thoughts, emotions, and authenticity.

Some examples if we repress our Shadow Self

Repressing your shadow can manifest as self-sabotaging habits, procrastination, unrealistic expectations of self and others, poor communication of your wants and needs, ongoing trust issues, and ego-based tendencies.

Implementing Shadow Work

Working with the Shadow can be difficult and may involve opening up past traumas, which can be overwhelming. If you find Shadow Work difficult, it's important to consult a therapist. Finding a supportive group, class, or teacher can also be helpful. When doing Shadow Work, remember to keep an open mind, be kind to yourself, and be patient. Set aside dedicated time for yourself to focus solely on your work and celebrate all your wins, big and small.

How I am personally working with my Shadow

This past year has been both difficult and enlightening for me. I have learned where I am lacking and where my strengths lie, and I am accepting the darker aspects of my hidden self. I have faced many of my deepest fears and learned valuable lessons, becoming more comfortable with being alone and finding enjoyment in solitude. I have also surprised myself by learning new skills and finding empowerment in doing things around my home and yard. While I have faced loss, I am learning to accept that it was time for some relationships to end. Through these experiences, I am actively working on my triggers and striving to become more authentic.

Losing friends and family members was one of the hardest lessons that I had to learn, and ultimately accept. As I am working on my Shadow, I was, and still am, making many changes in my life, including making many changes in how I am dealing with the past and present situations in life. I finally decided to fully love and accept myself, speak up when I need to and to set some very firm boundaries. I no longer want to sacrifice my happiness and my heath - I made myself my first priority.

Now, mind you, this is the result of my personal Shadow Work journey so far, but it may not be yours. That is the wonderful thing about Shadow Work - it is a deeply personal journey that is as unique and as individual as you are!

So, with that being said, please, if you undertake working on your Shadow self; remember to be patient, kind and loving to yourself. See a therapist if you need to as well - Your Mental Well-Being is Important!

And, as always, remember -

You are Wanted - You are Needed _ You are Loved - You are Phenomenal - and You Make a Difference in this World

Many Blessings to all!