What is shadow work?
Shadow work is a kind of therapy, it helps with light traumas. The working of shadow work is to accept your shadow self that holds traumas and other things we don’t like. so it isn’t the love and light version that most people want, it isn’t that old either. It was invented and researched in the 20th century. It came from Carl Jung and psychology, shadow work comes from the term “shadow self”. Jung stated that the shadow is the unknown dark side of the personality. According to Jung, the shadow is instinctive and irrational, and is prone to psychological projection. in which perceived personal inferiority is recognized as a perceived moral deficiency in someone else.
How to start with shadow work?
Let’s make one thing clear: shadow work isn’t therapy so don't use it instead of therapy. Shadow work is learning to work with your dark side. It's the stuff that we don't like about ourselves like trauma, our flaws, our mental health issues will come to light then. It's the parts we just don't accept about ourselves and hide that part. That's why you need someone there to help you with it like an official therapist. If you can’t afford a therapist and still wanna do shadow work, find someone you trust, someone with whom you feel safe and can support you through it all. Do remember that journaling isn't the only way of shadow work. You can also just clean your room and think into yourself, or walk a little in nature alone.
Tips
- You can have a fun journal just for shadow work only, one that is also nice to write in.
- Pick an incense smell to use for every session that will remind you of letting go of your thoughts.
- Learn easy meditation exercises to relax before and after your little session.
- Research for some good journal prompts to work with. Some you can find on Pinterest or in books (i also have some for ya)
- Have your favorite tea to make for a session to feel comfier
- Have your favorite tea to make for a session to feel more comfy
- After and before a session do gratitude journaling so you have something positive out of it too
Prompts
- Write a love letter to your body thanking it for carrying you and keeping you alive
- Write a letter to yourself accepting who you are
- What do you feel like you need the most right now, and how can you meet that need
- How do you react when something isn't going your way
- how can I cope with sadness in a healthier way
- What things are triggers for you? Consider where those irrational and negative feelings stem from
- When was the last time you felt let down? Examine how you felt and whether it was truly rational, or if you were triggered
- Who has the most influence over you? Is that healthy?
- Do you find it hard to forgive?
- Are you honest with yourself, and others about your feelings?
- What emotions tend to bring out the worst in you? Why do you think that is?
- What is the biggest lie you tell yourself?
- Are you being entirely truthful with yourself at this time in your life?
- Do you have any other traumatic childhood memories?
- What does freedom mean to you?
- What makes you feel most valued?
- What in your life gives you the most purpose?
- What do you want that people feel when they are around you?
