Shadow work is a psychological and spiritual practice that involves exploring and integrating the unconscious or “shadow” aspects of oneself. It was popularized by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, who believed that the human psyche consists of both conscious and unconscious elements. In Jungian psychology, the unconscious contains repressed emotions, desires, beliefs, and memories that are not readily available to our conscious awareness.
The term “shadow” represents the hidden, dark, or disowned parts of ourselves that we may not fully accept or acknowledge. These aspects can include our fears, insecurities, traumas, negative patterns, and unresolved emotions. Shadow work encourages individuals to confront and embrace these aspects rather than pushing them away or projecting them onto others.
The process of shadow work typically involves these 4 things:
- Self-Reflection: Engaging in self-reflection and introspection to identify unconscious patterns and triggers in one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
- Awareness: Becoming conscious of…
