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In this post we will cover everything you need to know about how to do shadow work for beginners. If you’re interested in learning how to start integrating your shadow and healing your past, subconscious wounds keep reading.
What is the shadow?
In order to start shadow work for beginners, you must first understand what the shadow is and how it comes to be.
Firstly, the idea of the shadow was popularized in Western culture by psychologist Carl Jung.
The shadow is essentially made up of the parts of your personality that you wish to hide from society or push down into your subconscious mind.
Everyone has a shadow and it is developed through information we absorb in our childhood, and throughout our lives. We store certain beliefs in our subconscious, which then affect how we live our lives.
Here’s a simple example of how your shadow is “created”. As a child a young boy is emotional and sensitive. His parents tell him to “quit crying about everything and toughen up.” The young boy then subconsciously buries his sensitive side and hardens his emotions off from the world.
The aspects of you that make up your shadow depend on what you subconsciously reject about yourself. This often manifests as negative self-talk and insecurities.
What is shadow work?
Shadow work is uncovering the subconscious parts of your personality that you have rejected. Learn how to deal with the more difficult parts of your personality and integrate these aspects, rather than suppressing them.
Shadow work is often done through journaling and requires introspection. In order to complete shadow work you must be open, honest and non-judgemental to what comes up.
You should not hold back, due to fear of judgement etc., but allow yourself to answer the questions, which can sometimes be difficult, open and completely honestly. When you let your answers truly flow out with authenticity you can then reflect on the answers and why you have the beliefs you do.
How to spot the shadow.
When starting the process of shadow work for beginners, you must become more self-aware and learn how to “spot” your shadow when it appears.
Most people are unaware of the behaviours, beliefs etc. that come up due to the shadow.
The shadow appears when people experience emotional triggers, such as when someone really upsets or triggers them and it comes out in how they behave. It can also be seen in what you judge others on and what annoys you about other people.
Carl Jung said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”. His belief is if something about someone else bothers you it must be unconsciously in you, or it wouldn’t bother you.
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
Carl jung
Benefits of shadow work.
There are many benefits of completing shadow work, some of these benefits are:
- improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- improved relationships with others
- self-acceptance
- being able to show up as your authentic self with confidence
- increased compassion and understanding of yourself and others
- ability to recognize and challenge limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviours
Read more on the benefits of shadow work here.
How to begin shadow work.
Shadow work for beginners means starting to work with your unconscious mind to uncover the repressed parts of your personality. These parts of your personality are often judged as “negative”, “dark”, or “bad” traits, and can also include past trauma. The point is not to judge these suppressed parts of you but learn why they are there and view them with a neutral stance.
Like previously mentioned, shadow work can mean opening up past wounds from trauma, which can be painful and difficult. Consider speaking to a licensed mental health professional or doctor if you experience difficulties with your mental health and emotions.
An easy to start doing shadow work for beginners is to use journal prompts to uncover your shadow and dive deeper in to your subconscious beliefs.
REMEMBER: Your shadow isn’t a flaw or a bad thing, it is a natural aspect of humans that we all possess.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF.
Importance of self-care.
Like mentioned above shadow work can be painful and difficult, as we are diving deep into repressed emotions and triggers. Remember to always take time to take care of yourself, especially during shadow work. Self-care is extremely important!
Although, shadow work can bring out negative thoughts and emotions that are repressed or pushed down “into the shadow”. With coming out of your comfort zone, you will find growth. It can be uncomfortable, but it is all part of the journey. You can’t grow if you don’t get a little uncomfortable and get out of the comfort zone.
When you confront and accept your subconscious beliefs and why they were developed in the first place, you are able to integrate those aspects of yourself in a healthy way into your personality and fully accept yourself.
The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.
carl jung
Final Thoughts
There you have it! I hope this article was helpful and provided some insight into what the shadow is, and how to start doing shadow work.
If you want to get yourself a copy of the shadow work journal above click here.
With dedication and work you can create your ideal reality and live authentically.
Recommended Reading
If you enjoyed this article, you may also find some useful information in these related posts:
Simple Manifestation Tips for Beginners
Affirmations for Confidence and Self-Esteem
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