{ THE SHADOW SELF } - It’s always standing right behind us, just out of view. In any direct light, we cast a shadow.
The shadow is a psychological term for everything we can’t see in ourselves. Most of us go to great lengths to protect our self-image from anything unflattering or unfamiliar. And so it’s easier to observe another’s shadow before acknowledging one’s own shadow.
Every human being is susceptible to this.
I find working with my shadow a rewarding, yet challenging process. Exploring your shadow can lead to greater authenticity, creativity, energy, and personal awakening. This introspective process is essential for reaching mature adulthood (which is rarer than most think).
So what’s the shadow?
The shadow is the “dark side” of our personality because it consists chiefly of primitive, negative human emotions and impulses like rage, envy, greed, selfishness, desire, and the striving for power.
Whatever qualities we deny in ourselves, we see in others. In psychology, this is called projection.
We project onto others anything we bury within us. If, for example, you get irritated when someone is rude to you, it’s a good bet you haven’t owned your own rudeness. This doesn’t mean the person isn’t being rude to you. However, if rudeness wasn’t in your shadow self, someone else’s rudeness wouldn’t bother you so much.
These psychological projections distort reality, creating a thick boundary between how we view ourselves and how we behave in reality.
The shadow isn’t a popular topic. Who enjoys owning their flaws, weaknesses, selfishness, nastiness, hate, and so on?
Focusing on our strengths is more enjoyable and positive. However, Exploring our shadow side, gives us tremendous opportunities for growth and development, unlocking inner strengths qualities and attributes we never new we had.
Here is 5 short benefits immediately obtained from doing Shadow work
1. MUCH BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
2. CLEARER PERCEPTION
3. ENHANCED ENERGY AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL INTEGRATION AND MATURITY
5. GREATER CREATIVITY
These will all be broken down further in the coming weeks.
To be part of the limited space Webinar sign on today, $22 only.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/invest-in-your-head-webinar-shadow-special-tickets-369678316797
Watch this short clip below for more insight in to shadow work