4 Ways To Practice Shadow Work

There are parts of ourselves that we don’t like. We reject them because it threatens the way in which we want to be understood and how we are presented to the world. Fear, shame, guilt, judgment, trauma, triggers, behavioral patterns, and projections — these are our shadow selves.

The only way we can step into our true potential and find healing is by doing shadow work. It’s uncomfortable and scary to do this work, but it’s incredibly important too. Shadow work is healing. By doing shadow work, you can look at these aspects of yourself not as flaws, but rather, as just a part of who you are. You can then start to embrace who you are, both the “good” and the “bad” and no longer allow yourself to be held back by your limiting beliefs.

Here are some ways you can practice shadow work:

Self-reflection through meditation

Meditation and mindfulness practices are a great way to find peace in your environment and in your body. Observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Notice your triggers and instead of suppressing them, look at them. Allow yourself to feel your emotions.

Journaling

Journaling is deeply beneficial for anyone who is feeling anxious or lost, looking for patterns, wanting to tell their story, or wanting to let their feelings out. It’s another way of self-reflection.

Start a shadow journal. Use journal prompts or free write. Write down aspects of yourself that you have denied or rejected, like any personality traits or desires. Reflect on how it made you feel to be “unacceptable” and rejected and how it might have influenced your life and your relationships.

Practice words of affirmation to yourself

Our shadow selves are the parts of us that have been exiled. If you want to uproot them and heal them, try saying words of affirmation to yourself.

I trust in you

I believe in you

I’m glad that you’re in my life

You are worthy of love

You are enough

You deserve to be happy

You have a lot to offer

Seek support

Shadow work can be done with a professional therapist, counselor, or shadow work practitioner, just as it can be done by ourselves. If you want someone to provide guidance and support throughout this journey, someone to help navigate the emotions, and provide perspective, find someone who specializes in shadow work.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy, according to Carl Jung, is a great way to explore your shadow self. It’s about interpreting your dreams and the symbols in your unconscious mind and how they correlate to your shadow self.

Shadow work is a continuous process that can be emotionally draining. It’s an uncomfortable and scary journey of self-exploration and healing — but a deeply important one nonetheless. If you’re doing the shadow work, be sure to take care of yourself. Take it slow, take breaks. Be patient with yourself. Remember: healing isn’t linear. You’ll get there.