You may have heard the term “shadow work” or “shadow self”.
This is a concept popularised by the psychologist Carl Jung that is used by many spiritual and psychological practices to this day.
The basic idea is that we all have a shadow self. Our shadow self is all of the parts of our character that we aren’t so proud of, so things like our doubts and fears, and our shame and guilt.
Many of the shadow self traits are often seen as “bad aspects” of our personality, but really our shadow can also hold relatively good aspects too, which have been invalidated or minimised by other people and that we’ve repressed and pushed them into our shadow.
A good way to think about this and to start to understand ourselves in a much deeper way is to actually spend time looking at our “real” shadow.
Physically when you see your shadow cast onto the ground, take a moment to really look at it and visualise it being made up of all of those things that you don’t want to accept or face, or the things you’re not proud of.
Just like your physical body, your shadow is always a part of you - it’s always with you and it can’t be shaken off. Yes, sometimes the light means we don’t see it, but it’s always there.
The thing is, our shadow self shouldn’t be shaken off, even if we could!
The truth is that the more we embrace our shadow self and begin to integrate it and accept it for who we are, the less disgust we attach to it and the more we learn about ourselves.
By embracing and accepting our shadow, we are able to begin healing the things that have hurt us.
Facing our shadow can be a daunting task, and taking that first step is hard, but by embracing our shadow self we start to be able to live a life full of intention and balance.
Mental, emotional and physical health improves when we embrace those shadowy aspects of our character and we start to see life in a more balanced way.
HOW TO DO SHADOW WORK
1. Become self aware and curious
Shadow work is about bringing the parts of you in your shadow to light, so we can start by noticing patterns of behaviour or themes that keep showing up in our lives over and over again.
A good example of this may be when we have an argument with our children, and we shout, but then feel awful afterwards. That is a pattern of behaviour that would most likely have originated somewhere in our own childhood. It can lead us to feel as though we are somehow a “bad parent” or we feel self resentment for how we behaved.
The more aware, observant and curious we are about these patterns, the more we start to recognise them when they show up and are better able to identify them and should we want to, change them too.
2. Learn to stop being self-judgmental
When you start to notice these patterns showing up, don’t judge yourself harshly.
Recognise the patterns but do so in a way that’s not putting yourself down. Allow yourself to remain present in the moment - allow yourself to feel it, but don’t judge yourself for feeling it.
3. Practice observer meditation
This type of meditation can really help you to see your shadow aspects and be better equipped to work with them.
You can do this meditation anytime, anywhere, simply by pushing your focus inward.
Observe your mind as if from the outside, become completely conscious of your thoughts and behaviours but remaining completely impartial and non-judgmental.
Imagine yourself as a witness to your own experience.
4. Be descriptive
Get good at labelling your emotions and experiences in a deeper way.
So for instance, if you feel sad, ask yourself what sort of sadness you’re feeling? It may be lonely, or hopeless or exhausted.
Be as descriptive as you can - it often helps to write these down.
5. Journal your shadow work
Within witchcraft we often use a “Book of Shadows” precisely for this purpose.
When we write down the work we do with our shadow, it can reveal some amazing things about ourself that actually helps to empower us. It’s a hugely powerful act of self discovery.
By writing down our experiences of life both real and shadow, we are not only keeping a record of our practice, but we are also channelling our energy and transferring things that may be painful out of our mind and onto the pages of a book.
This in itself can be incredibly powerful and aid in healing from many aspects of hurt and traumas we may have faced in our lives.
6. Work with others
If you find working with your own shadow scary or daunting, you can also work with a professional who’s experienced in this type of work.
Depending on what your belief system is or who you feel comfortable with, this may be a counsellor, psychologist, witch or other spiritual person.
Whoever it is should be someone who is experienced and trusted, as well as non-judgmental, supportive, caring, and with who you feel safe to explore the shadow side of yourself.
Shadow work requires you to be very vulnerable, honest and open, and so should be done with self-compassion.
The power of working with the shadow self should not be underestimated. It’s an amazingly powerful way of truly learning who you are.
Once you learn to embrace your shadow self and integrate it into your life, then you really do see your life improve on huge levels.
Is it always pretty? No!
Shadow work can open long buried pain and repressions. But when you let them see the light of day, they stop holding you back and allow you to live to your full potential, without stealing your joy.
So bring your shadow into the light and experience the magick inside!
For more musings, why not join our Facebook group Beneath the Canopy?
Or you can listen to our in-depth discussion on 'The Crow's Nest' called 'Embracing the Darkness' here.