shadow work

Hi eKa Circle,

Shadow work bit of a buzz atm for good reason. What is it though? Does everyone have a darks side? For many just the word shadow conjures negative and yet it doesn’t really have to be. We are all made up of light and dark and we surely can’t be afraid of ourselves? First made popular to the western mind by Carl Jung he describes it as the unconscious disowned parts of our personality that our ego fails to see. Any aspect that is not exposed to the light of our consciousness. Consciousness thought occurs in the brain though not necessarily with the brain for consciousness is light. Light is infinite and will continue its activity with the whole world of being. Every single human cell has a relationship with light and light casts a shadow.

The shadow gives birth in early childhood as a byproduct of our closest caretakers that believe certain aspects of us are good and bad. The aspects that are seen as bad are rejected and form a shadow. Can you see how subjective this could be? Especially without unconditional love. Cultures, religious systems and the caretakers own shadow and upbringing all playing a role in what is considered acceptable? The shadow grows each time you repress it. The shadow is the impulsive behaviors triggered by painful experiences, traumas and past memories that we may not have dealt with. We call the subconscious mind the shadow. The goal is to make the unconscious fixation such as the pain of a traumatic event part of your conscious awareness so that you can work on it.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” Carl Jung

A classic example in western society is telling a male child not to cry. Each time the child cries he is reprimanded and encouraged to suppress emotions. As a result he pushes the gentle emotional side of his character into the shadows and play acts tough to be accepted. The minute something is labelled as “bad” you are given reason to suppress, hide and ignore that particular issue. It becomes hidden and yet influences everything we do- subconsciously. It is the DON’T that the subconscious mind actually cannot hear- and so we do.

In order to understand our own shadows they require acknowledgement and integration. In extreme cases of ignoring the shadow the fragmentation that occurs within creates a split. Shadow taking over when the person becomes triggered and yet they rarely understand why. Here’s the thing though. Each time you act out of your shadow it gets bigger. The shadow self is the dark place within your subconscious mind that contains every taboo, desire, or personality trait that you have rejected buried or suppressed.

Here are some things to look for in order to spot the shadow:

• Projection
• Triggers
• Patterns

Here are some ways to begin the shadows integration:

• Become aware of the shadow.
• Get to the root of the pattern.
• Review the childhood.
• Choose not to shame the shadow just observe it.
• Use your triggers as a sign it is time to work on something.
• Observe without judgement.
• Make peace with the shadow.
• Recognise that you are child of the universe and divinely loved even if your own caretakers could not express that.

To start some important shadow work yourself try starting with prayer and meditation. Use some relaxing music and start a shadow journal. Drawing often helps some unpack these things without words. Particularly observe where you have recently been triggered. Try to observe the patterns of emotion and go inward to see how you are feeling as each scenario is presented. There will be feelings flow up in this process that may feel uncomfortable and at times quite painful. Shadow work takes intention and patience. Should you need help please reach out to a professional. Self compassion is essential, you mustn’t judge yourself for the behaviour, yet hold yourself accountable for healing from the experience.

Shadow work is known to help codependents, addicts, self sabotage, poverty mindset, depression and anxiety. For those that face the shadow that lurks from early childhood sexual or psychological abuse you can open up your thinking to see how your thoughts and feelings influence your behaviour and create your own reality. You empower yourself as you take responsibility for what you are projecting. Wasn’t it apostle Peter that healed and delivered even with his shadow? Has that got you thinking a little deeper now? Who are your family anyway? Yeshua answered it is “those that hear the Spirit and do the good works -which is love.” Luke 8:21 Yes love heals…shadow work is an act of self love in understanding what is hidden and repressed.

love & light

M + E