Integrating shadow work

In this blog, I will describe a quick eight-step process for becoming aware of your shadow self and explain how doing your shadow work can lead to healing and taking back your power.

Shadow work is the process of integrating the parts of our personality that have been repressed and made unconscious, otherwise known as our “shadow self” or the “shadow aspect” of ourselves.

1. Look at what triggers you and your negative response towards the trigger.

2. Ask yourself where this response (emotion, harmful physical reaction, negative thought, or belief) comes from that came up when responding to the trigger.

3. To get to the root of it — think back to when and how your response to the trigger may have started. (Usually from childhood)

4. Be vulnerable and open to what could have caused the issue.

5. By sitting and focusing on the issue, you bring it back into your awareness. (We cannot heal what we do not first acknowledge.)

6. Transmute the negative energy around that shadow aspect of yourself by feeding it positive energy through positive thoughts. (If it's childhood-related, this would be a good time to visualize hugging your childhood self.)

7. Examine your conditioning (beliefs) around the shadow aspect and ask yourself, "What is it costing you to have this belief? "Does having this belief benefit me? "(It probably does not so destroy that belief by doubting it and knowing it is a belief you can let go of.) This makes it less powerful.

8. Instead, adopt a new, more powerful belief. For example, if the trigger triggered a response to feeling unloved as a child, tell yourself you are loved now.

Note:

We build an emotional connection around what happened to us, especially as children. We repress and hide away the emotions and beliefs that surround the shadow self because we don’t want to look at it. It doesn't make us feel good. But the shadow qualities we deny within ourselves, we will see in others.

The shadow side is a part of us that is unloved and neglected. Whatever we neglect within ourselves, we project onto others. Be the destroyer and the healer of your mind, body, and soul.

Remember, working with your shadow side is a healing process. It takes time, anywhere from months to years, and the process can come in cycles depending on how much trauma and triggers you have. Don’t rush it and always BE KIND TO YOURSELF throughout the process.

11/22/20