Hi there! I hope you are doing well, sending love and peace your way! As we continue our journey of self love, self-discovery and individuation it is important that we are honest with ourselves, that you stand powerful in your vulnerability.
The ability to stand strong in ones own vulnerability is a strength. Understandably, this may be difficult as it involves standing bare in front of self bringing dark into the light, highlighting the parts you would rather remain hidden. You are an amazing human being, full of love, grace and endless potential but within all that are parts of self you may not be free with admitting.
Today our focus is the getting insight on what the shadow self is, what shadow work is and how to do shadow work
“Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.”
– Carl Jung (Swiss Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst)
What is the Shadow Self?
The shadow self is the parts of who you are that is suppressed into your subconscious, the parts which you yourself perceive as dark and weak about yourself. It is based on the notion that we bury parts of our personality that we do not want to identify.
What comes to mind when you think of ‘shame’ ‘sadness’ or fear’?

Your shadow self is formed from early childhood, while you were dependent on parents/caregivers forming an attachment that needed you to compromise and do things their way. This subconsciously influences your behavior and shadow self. Your shadow self, although subconscious shows itself in daily life as it influences your behavior, your beliefs and life as a whole.
For example, if you were scolded for speaking your mind this could create a subconscious shadow that now holds you back from free self expression and speaking out. A little boy in tears told “Boys don’t cry” and “Act like a man” may find difficulty opening up in the future. Personally, I grew up in a strong family where vulnerability and sadness was seen as weakness and due to the reactions from when I was sensitive, I struggled with being in touch with my sensitive side and self expression.
Sound familiar? In what ways did others influence you?
We all have a shadow self, whether you are aware of it or not it plays a role in your daily life and show itself as self-sabotage if one does not address the subconscious and heal.
What is Shadow Work?
Shadow work is a way of working on your inner self, casting a light on parts hidden away revealing the deepest parts of your psyche. It is is the process of bringing forth unconscious shadows into the light.
Very often we tend to focus on our conscious minds but unless the necessary inner work is done the shadow self will continue to creep up and sabotage you holding you back from your full potential, your full power.
How to do Shadow Work
Shadow work is all about making the unconscious conscious. Through our journey we have talked about being more self aware and mindful, by questioning and diving deeper into self you can get to the root of your shadow and begin the healing process.
1.Integrate Both Darkness and Light
When manifesting the life of your dreams and embracing the journey means embracing all that you are. Yes, you want a positive life, looking to the bright side of situations and working on the law of attraction so focusing on the positive but unless you also connect to your dark side you will be yet to connect to self fully. Owning who you are in entirety will help you with individuation, self-validation and manifestation. This does not mean that when angry you act out destructively or wallowing in your sadness, this means acknowledging the emotions, knowing they are valid and uncover its roots. How can you use it to your advantage? Personally, I feel more motivated and inspired when I use my ‘darker’ emotions.
2. Uncover Shadow Self
In order for you to connect and heal your shadow self you must first uncover and acknowledge them. You can uncover your shadow self through mindful practices that make you more self aware. I recommend meditation as it calms the mind and creates a natural flow. Do not fight your mind on this, allow your mind to flow, when a thought jumps in do not fixate but instead let them flow in and out. Pay attention to where you mind goes and asking yourself, why?
Mind too busy? Ask yourself why. To help you try playing calm nature sounds in the background or stare at a candle flame.
Another helpful practice is journalling, which creates an open space for you to fully express self and identify your shadows.
3. Identify Triggers
Pay close attention to your mind, body and soul. How are you doing? What makes you feel triggered? Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you with ? How do you feel?
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
Carl Jung
Journalling will help you notice patterns and highlight your triggers. Once you identify that feeling, that trigger think back to when you first felt this way. Try your best to remember details as this will help you interrupt the pattern.
4. Make Intentional Changes
Uncovering your shadow self and recognizing that part of self gives you the power to take back the control in your life. When unaware of your subconscious thoughts and scars it shows itself in different ways in your life. By making the subconscious conscious you are able to control your reactions; emotional, physical and cognitive.
Interrupt your pattern by changing your thoughts, emotions and reactions to a situation. Feeling triggered? Ask yourself why and once uncovered be brave and allow the process of growth to take over.
Remember, change does not happen overnight, put in the work and connect to self on a deeper level.
How do you know when you’ve healed a shadow? It will no longer trigger you.
I wish you all the best in your journey xx
Click here for the benefits of shadow work & 32 prompts to help you on your journey!
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Love and Peace
Amani 🤍
Until next time xx
