Shadow (n.):
- a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
- used in reference to proximity, ominous oppressiveness, or sadness and gloom.
I know we’re all familiar with what shadows are and that we all have one. But did you know it’s also a psychological term for everything we can’t see within ourselves?
You’ve probably been introduced to this idea as the infamous Devil & Angel sitting on each shoulder or whispering in each ear. Some people call this your personal Yin & Yang, Light & Dark, Spirit & Ego. (I told y’all we all do the same stuff, just calling it different things!) No matter what you’ve been calling it, the idea remains the same—everyone has an outward and inward expression of self and sometimes when we cater more to one side, the other gets thrown on the back burner.
Lets face it, most of us try hard to protect our self-image from anything unflattering. As children, we come into this world full of excitement, love, and generosity. As we grow through life, our experiences tell us what’s right and wrong, what’s acceptable and what’s not, and how to interact with others. Going through this process, we may have been reprimanded, shamed and embarrassed for normal actions. So while adjusting our personal behaviour to gratify others and adapt to the world, the parts about ourselves that we hate, the trauma we faced, the things about us that we were previously shunned for become pushed more inward. Thus the shadow is born.
The thing about your shadow is that it can operate on its own even if we aren’t completely aware.
You ever felt like you “blacked out?”
You ever lash out and then immediately regret it?
That was probably your shadow talking! Any part of yourself you disown will always end up turning against you and remaining unconscious of your shadow ruins relationships with friends and family members. We begin to subconsciously project, getting irritated with the same qualities in others that you also possess. This is our defense mechanism, our ego wants to protect its false identity of being “good” by blaming others and keeping us disconnected from our shadow.
Working with your shadow improves your relationships with yourself and others, no one will be able to trigger you because you’ve already acknowledged and accepted those parts of you. You’ll feel more self aware which will help you assess situations more accurately, and it’ll give you a sense of wholeness.
Shadow Work is an ongoing, rigorous practice, and sometimes we have no idea where to begin. That’s why we’ve created our Shadow Work Reading to help you figure out what you’re dealing with on a subconscious level and how to better align yourself with your greater purpose. You can opt for a 30 or 60min Live 1-on-1 Reading or a detailed emailed reading!