Have you ever had a busy day or week then ended up snapping at your loved ones? Trust me it just happens. Just one week or a few days of repression can cause this harsh backlash.
Therefore, imagine what years and years of this repression could do to you.
So, what is shadow work?
Shadow work can be defined as the conscious effort by an individual to explore dark shameful feelings that bring about embarrassment and fear. These feelings reside in the subconscious.
Mateo sol defines sit as an ” archetype that forms part of the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, instincts, impulses, weaknesses, desires, perversions and embarrassing fears.”
Why is it Important?
One has to integrate both the dark and the light for them to become a wholly healed person.
Shadow comes out in destructive and self-destroying ways the more it is suppressed. The moment you acknowledge it and give it its space, you realize that you’re more patient, very kind and accepting others and yourself.
All in all, change must be initiated from within. Take a deep look into your dark side and look at the shadow as a way to expose our troubles. For us to heal, we must accept the dark side.
How to get started with shadow work?
It is still possible to identify your shadow side, even though they reside in the subconscious.
We walk around projecting our shadows onto others, being judgmental for things that are deep within us.
Next is cumulative mindfulness
After you understand that all the anger and frustrations are as a result of your shadow reflections, you need to know when they come up.
You can keep a journal or notes on your phone to keep track of incidences people or triggers that lead you down the judgmental route.
Shadow exploring is not easy. Some can manage alone but if you feel the pressure please seek some professional guidance.
