Heal your inner child with shadow work.

We have a hidden shadow self in our unconscious mind that is repressed and concealed. Sometimes, even from ourselves. The practice of shadow work comes in favour to help resolve those repressed aspects of ourselves. This includes traumas, shame, fear, undesirable traits, and resentment that can harm us in the long run.

Shadow work is a type of psychotherapy that addresses the hidden part of our psyche. Its purpose is to develop self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. By listening to yourself, recognising your shadow self, and understanding it better, you can improve your mental health.

Certain traits of ours, known as our shadow self, are hidden from the public eye. Often, these traits are not ones we are proud of, and certain parts of our shadow self may be challenging to accept. As we strive to better ourselves, these traits may linger around subconsciously.

While we may talk about being confrontational with others, we seldom do so with ourselves. These repressed aspects of ourselves long to be recognised, but unfortunately, they are ignored and forgotten.

Starting your shadow work journey may seem daunting, but it can ultimately bring clarity, acceptance, and inner peace.

Our shadow self is composed of our darker and emotional aspects, which may stem from past traumas. When similar patterns arise, we may become triggered. For example, if someone grew up believing they talked too much, similar comments in the future could trigger them.

Rejecting our shadow self only projects it onto others, as we subconsciously recognise uncomfortable traits in others that we see within ourselves. Consequently, we may judge others who possess those traits because they remind us of the aspects of ourselves that bring us shame.

These subconscious beliefs and behaviours are often rooted in childhood experiences. Our shadow self longs to be heard and understood, and repressing it only leads to negative consequences such as low self-esteem, anxiety, self-sabotage, or an inflated ego.

Through practising shadow work, we can embrace and work through our suppressed shadow self, enabling us to take more deliberate and conscious control over our lives and ultimately show up as our authentic selves.

How to try shadow work?

To start your shadow work journey, there are two options available. The first is to seek the guidance of a trained professional, which can be highly beneficial. They can provide valuable insights and support you throughout the process.

However, if professional therapy is not an option, you can still embark on shadow work on your own. The initial step involves identifying your inner shadow, which can be done through journaling.

Practice journaling.

Journaling is an effective way to process your thoughts and emotions. When you put your thoughts down in writing, it helps to clarify and comprehend them better. Moreover, journaling enables you to track your thoughts and emotions over time, allowing you to identify patterns and recurring themes.

Anyone can journal anywhere and anytime, as it is a cost-effective and accessible method. Simply write down your thoughts as they come to you, or use writing prompts for ideas. The practice of journaling can also be therapeutic. So, find yourself the right journal, and you can start there.

Recognise your trigger.

Recognising your triggers and catching yourself when you project your shadow onto others is an essential step in shadow work. One way to do this is by using the mirror technique and taking notes when negative emotions arise. Writing down your triggers can help you recognise repeating patterns and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

Explore your childhood experiences.

Another effective way to practice shadow work is by exploring your childhood experiences. Our upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping who we are today. Examining caregivers’ treatment of us in childhood and the emotions they did not allow us to express can provide insight into our shadow self.

Be gentle with yourself.

It’s crucial to approach this process with kindness and grace towards ourselves. There is no shame in having a shadow self, and it’s essential to accept it along the way. Practising words of affirmation and self-compassion can make the process less challenging. You can integrate them into your daily routine or listen to affirmations as you fall asleep at night. Ultimately, embracing our shadow self with compassion is the key to achieving self-awareness, self-acceptance, and inner peace.

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