3 Tips to Jumpstart Shadow Work

Shadow work is the process of being honest with yourself. We each have aspects of ourselves that we push to the side or box up tight. Those are the parts that need to see the light and to do that; you have to start the work. Do not let that be a deterrent; it is not as bad as it may seem.

Shadow Work, the Beginning

As we grow, we encounter different situations that bring up emotions, reactions, and thought processes. These then get locked into our energetic beings and thus begin the cycle of our shadow self struggles. We feed it with doubt, fear, sadness, and other emotions. We try to keep those portions of ourselves secret, living only half a life.

Yet, we do not have to stay in this place of darkness. Each one of us is capable of fully embodying our true ourselves. We can bring our shadow self to the light and work through our repressed emotions and thoughts, becoming aligned with who we are.

Shadow work requires you to put in the time. Much like we dedicate ourselves to our jobs, family, or relationships, you must dedicate yourself to yourself! Not only will it be eye-opening, but it will also be rewarding.

What Happens When You Ignore Your Shadow Self

Although we try hard to ignore the shadow aspect of ourselves, our shadow self will find a way to be present in daily life. It holds us back from embodying our authentic selves, so we are forced to move through it. It brings about big feelings that can come out harshly.

One primary way I see this occur is through projections, and yes, I have been there and done that! When we neglect our shadow work, we tend to project our insecurities and struggles onto others. It becomes a mirror for your subconscious, showing in others what you need to work on in yourself. This can lead to judging or punishing others for those unliked traits.  

If you continue to ignore your shadow self, it can lead to other issues, such as:

• Self-sabotage
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety and depression
• Inflated ego
• Struggles in forming healthy relationships

If you feel stuck in this cycle, schedule your energy clearing with mini-reding to help you start your shadow work today!

Getting Started with Shadow Work

Shadow work can be done by yourself or with someone who can help walk you through it. You may seek a therapist or a spiritual advisor to help gain insight. This is one of my most rewarding services as an energy healer and spiritual advisor. Why? I get to see your growth, offer recognition, and encourage you through your process!

Connecting with an advisor or support professional can make the work less daunting. Like me, they can see the whole picture and tell you where you have grown or what work still needs to be done. That is because we are emotionally removed from the situation. Keep in mind: We are ALL a work in progress!

Encouragement and support go a long way when we begin to open our box of shadows. Through my sessions, I provide insight along the path, beginning with where you need to start your shadow work and advancing through it. The beauty is that as you work through it, you will need less outside support because you will find it within.

The Goal of Shadow Work

The most simplified way to describe the goal of shadow work is self-awareness. Shadow work puts you back in the driver’s seat by bringing full awareness to every aspect of yourself. It further encourages self-acceptance and self-love, which can often be lacking.

Look, the world is harsh and chaotic. I understand the mentality of “just make it through.” I also understand how that thought process can severely limit self-growth and awareness. If you want to stop feeling the weight of others’ decisions, learn to react how you want to versus how someone else may want you to. If you’re going to feel confident standing on your own (metaphorically), putting the work into yourself is a priority!

It is time to take back your power. This is not an ego-based statement; it is about taking the power granted to every being from our Divine Creator. Humanity is meant to learn lessons, experience physical presence on Earth, and grow in self. That is where your power comes from, uniting every aspect of yourself in consciousness. But how do you do this?

Tips for Shadow Work

First, observe your reactions to situations. Whether at home, at work, or out and about in your daily life, remember to pause and find the reason for your response. Be aware of triggers that shift your perspective or cause you to “shut down.”

When you bring awareness to your reactions, you become mindful. Mindfulness lets you approach these once-triggering situations with a new outlook and ease. You become aware of what others want in that situation, and you have the strength to stand firm in your thoughts without an explosive reaction. Step one is taking back your power and working through your shadows.

Second, analyze your feelings by asking yourself the following questions:

• “Why am I feeling this way?”
• “Where is this coming from?”
• “Does it bring up a memory?”

These three questions are a great way to get started with shadow work. They bring you into conscious awareness, allowing you to experience the event in the moment and gain more insight into why you have the reactions you do.  

No matter where you are on your journey, we are growing and working through things. These questions help. I have been doing shadow work for 15 years and still use these questions to prompt awareness. I may have to go back later for a full assessment, but I ask the whys of my reactions and interactions.

My final tip is to journal! Oh yes, the dreaded writing of our thoughts and emotions. Let us reframe that thought to “writing my thoughts and emotions for release and mindfulness.” Journaling is a phenomenal way to gain insight into yourself, aiding your shadow work.

As you begin expressing yourself in a fashion that is unjudged or seen, you start to see yourself truly. This allows you to become more comfortable and confident in who you are. The product of that comfort is the awareness you develop related to people and situations. Who doesn’t like feeling and knowing they are the creators of their world?

Throughout life, we have all created the reality we live in individually based on interactions and events that have occurred to us personally. Journaling helps bring those hidden gems to the surface so that they stop weighing you down. There is freedom in releasing stuck emotions; it elevates your thoughts and feelings while providing a stability you may not have experienced before.

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Getting Started in Journaling

Many of us get stuck here: How do we begin the process? Don’t worry, I got you! I have included some prompts below to get the light flickering. These are merely suggestions and a place to start. The more you journal, the easier the flow and the faster the release.

• When (or how) do I judge people?
• When (or how) do I judge myself?
• What do I envy in others?
• Where do I struggle?
• What in others inspires me?

When mindful, each question unlocks the chains of burden and sadness. They help you dive deep into your subconscious and learn who you are. This is the real you, not what people see when you always smile or “do great.” This is the hidden aspect of yourself that you feel cannot be seen because others may judge. Let them!

When you or someone you know judge others, it is from a place of hurt. Feelings of “less than” or judgment for the same attribute or action have existed somewhere throughout life. Release those pains to move forward, allowing yourself to accept better things as you advance.

Now is the time to stop hiding from yourself and do the work! I recognize and acknowledge you if you made it through the entire article. I know that you are seeking answers that are hard to find and can feel isolating. Know that you are not alone and not crazy; you are growing into your true self!

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