Each of us possesses qualities about which we are both proud and insecure. We conceal some of these characteristics from the public eye because they make us uncomfortable or trigger us. Your shadow self consists of these elements, and it cries out to be acknowledged.
Because it is mostly composed of negative, primal human emotions and impulses like fury, envy, selfishness, arrogance, desire, and the need for power, the shadow is sometimes referred to as the "dark side" of our personalities. basically anything about ourselves that we deny.
On the other hand, the shadow may also represent aspects of our personality that we no longer wish to acknowledge. Anything we reject becomes a part of our unconscious.
Are our shadows all the same?
Short answer: Yes, in a nutshell. Long answer, per Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC, co-founder of Viva Wellness and licensed therapist: Yes, but there's a chance you'll hear a different term for it.
The greatest advantage of shadow work is that it can greatly increase one's self-awareness and personal development. People learn more about their goals, anxieties, and motives by facing and integrating parts of their shadow selves. A more genuine and congruent sense of self is produced by this increased self-awareness, which encourages a path of ongoing personal growth. There's a strong chance shadow work will assist you in connecting with your intuition or deeper knowledge, depending on what kinds of things you've stored inside your own shadow
For example if you were taught as a child not to believe your inner guidance system or instincts, then that becomes one of your shadows.
We are essentially under the direction of our shadow when we are functioning on an unconscious level. Thus, although confronting our shadow requires effort, it also feels tremendously liberating. If I cought your eye by now, and you want to find out how you can implement this in your life, well, the answer is very simple.
Finding a therapist is not necessary in order to perform shadow work. Nevertheless, having a second set of eyes to support you along the way can be beneficial.
The next step is starting to observe yourself. What are your habits? What triggers you? Are you projecting your insecurities?
You could also get back to your childhood and start analyzing it. For example: What were you punished for?
And finally, one of the methods that I personally find the most effective, just keep a journal in which you note all your emotions, you could also analyze your life, or simply search on pinterest “shadow work questions” and try to answer them.
Also, please do keep an open mind. Shadow work is a process of continuous self-improvement and self-discovery rather than a destination. New shadow selves may surface as we develop and change, providing new chances for learning and development. Accepting this never-ending process is a commitment to personal growth and lifetime learning.
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