Shadow Workbook: Understanding the Shadow
This is the first in an ongoing series available free to Patrons in which I will provide themed journal prompts designed to help you uncover and integrate your Shadow Self. Your Shadow is the personification of all parts of yourself which you ignore (consciously or unconsciously) or feel uncomfortable addressing. Because we often ignore painful and traumatic memories, the Shadow Self gets a bad reputation and is often only associated with pain and difficult. While you will definitely find those things when working with your Shadow, you will also find all of the strengths that you consider insecurities, hidden talents, and an abundance of resilience and resourcefulness that you didn't realize you had.
Understanding the nature of your Shadow is the first step. The Shadow Self is a product of self-preservation. Whether consciously or unconsciously created, it is a product of self-love. Sometimes, it even becomes the home of it. Regardless of how you currently feel about yourself, there is a part of you that cares enough about you to house anything you perceived as a threat. What an incredible act of love. Let's get to know them.
The benefits of understanding and integrating your Shadow are countless. I promise that as you engage in this work you will find a greater sense of self, increased confidence, and better perspective of who you are and what you want. Your behavior will become more consistent and you will trust yourself more. In my experience, I have found that integrating my Shadow has led me to make more responsible and fulfilling choices, made dealing with stress much easier, and helped me develop my innate talents with more ease and confidence. I desperately want to help others with healing their own souls and positioning themselves to better understand and unlock their greater potential.
In order to better understand your Shadow, you must first practice mindfulness and understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in your present day to day. We will begin here and dive deeper as we become more acquainted with the self.
Your first prompt is: What do I miss about myself?
Consider the different versions of yourself that you have expressed throughout your life. What do you miss? Why is that no longer a part of who you are? Perhaps it was a childlike wonder or curiosity about the world, or maybe it is the freedom and safety you felt before you experienced abuse that you are missing. Whatever you may be craving, write it down and acknowledge any and all emotions that this exercise stirs up. Any feeling you experience is valid, and has a cause. Explore that if you can, but if identifying the feeling is all you can do right now then that is a great first step. Once you are done journaling, thank yourself for this act of self-love and reward yourself with something you enjoy.