Today's been a roller coaster (thanks bpd) I started off the day so grateful and happy and productive, dipped into depression for the latter half of the day and now I'm back up again
What are you all most grateful for today?
Has anyone done shadow work?
Yes I am currently doing shadow work I think it's a great way of processing hurt and anger and encouraging self acceptance of what we consider to be our shameful or hidden or darkest side?
The side that everyone has but would probably prefer that other people didn't see?
That's the part that can dominate though and push our buttons and be projected onto other people and also unfortunately manifest in self sabotage or holding onto unhealthy patterns of behaviour and repeating them?
I have been unconsciously a bit of a slave to these things most of my life and it's held me back from being a creative vibrant person because I was always scared or critical and sometimes easily angered? (Reacting though not responding big difference)?
So I think it's really liberating to try to integrate your shadow self because it doesn't go away if you ignore it as tempting as that is sometimes? (Denial)
It's the lonely and neglected parts that call out for acknowledgement I think and if that isn't done positively or with awareness it can be very destructive instead?
Until you make the unconscious conscious it will ruin your life and you will call it fate....Carl Jung...
I think that sums it up nicely?
So for my mental health (trying to restore it) and also because I have things I need to process and integrate I find shadow work essential?
I also find it to be quite joyful (when I engage in it) and therapeutic?
I feel a sense of lightness and playfulness emerge and I think it's great if people struggle with areas of repression or self criticism (I know I do) particularly around body image or sexuality?
Women are nearly always programmed to feel guilt and shame about those areas but shadow work (I find) naturally moves the focus away from feeling victimised and instead celebrates the power of self liberation?
Basically it takes a lot of energy to repress (which happens when you have been oppressed I think?) or to feel like your fighting an inner war or enemy (the scars or trauma that we all have and that need to be cared for) or to be overly strict or constantly critical of yourself?
I am guilty as charged with that and it's something I am very eager to move away from as I imagine most people would be as well!
So yes I really recommend doing shadow work especially if like me you are (or have been) a bit of a people pleaser and also if you find your needs unmet or constantly taking a backseat?
I absolutely think that shadow work is just (as I mentioned before) our own stifled and neglected and ignored part that really needs to be heard and acknowledged and even loved?
I found using the Dark wood tarot helpful I think that is something that taps into archetypes and folk and fairytales but using it you come face to face with yourself? I found it great for tapping into the subconscious? (Because I have a tendency to live in my head)
Also I am reading (and your post has encouraged me to continue with it and finish it!) Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliott....(from the front cover).....Unmask your shadow and embrace your power ......
So I will!
Also I am glad you asked the question what are you all most grateful for today?
My intuition has been subtly nudging me towards asking myself the same question?
Just trying to change my mind and the way that I see things? It helps doesn't it?
Even just asking that question?
So I am grateful to you for your intuitive understanding of things and your energy and enthusiasm and generally speaking just being supportive and understanding of people. (That's the feeling I get from reading your posts)
Thank you
alchemyofhealing.com
