When I say the term Shadow Work a lot of people wince or duck out of the way. It’s been gas-lit to be something we don’t speak of, negative or scary in some way. Some of the toxic spirituality pathways hide it, shove it deep down or ignore it completely.
This side of the work was never discussed with me as I was starting out. Trust me I would have remembered if it was!
Some others when I mention the term go immediately to the psychology side of things – that’s not truly what I mean. I’m talking about the energetic side of things – not “all in the head”. Given I’m not a psychologist that’s fair.
What Shadow work actually is.
This is not quite so easy to define but I’ll do my best. Shadow work is looking at the aspects or sides of yourself you haven’t fully looked at. Or aspects which are considered “undesirable” at some level. Things such as anger, grief, judgement, as else of lack and a whole host of other things.
It’s not just working with your inner child. Many times it’s working with who you are right now.
When we start to look at these things we’ve hidden or buried deep, deep down we start to throw light on it. It begins to become visible. The threads that connect it to different parts of our life being to become very obvious, Even if we were seemingly oblivious in the past. It can lead to huge “ah ha!” moments.
In even simpler terms it’s part of yourself you haven’t fully met yet.
What Shadow work isn’t.
- It isn’t taboo.
- It isn’t something that’s “oooooh negative vibes”.
- Something to be brushed under the carpet.
- Anything anyone should be shamed over.
- Scary
- Something someone else can do for you – you need to do the work.
Ripping off the plaster.
I don’t recommend jumping in without looking when it comes to shadow work. While it can be very tempting to get stuck in I would add a touch of caution first. The rabbit holes you can fall through are numerous and not always the easiest to clamber back out of.
I had to learn the hard way. The very hard way. Hence why I help people not to do the same thing.
Instead observe things first. What keeps coming up for your attention: be it an anger issue over something, feeling irritated by something each time it comes up in conversation, a knowing that something isn’t quite as it should be. Even an overwhelming deep seated feeling that something needs to change. You’ll know in the pit of your stomach when it appears.
Observe, acknowledge and track it for a while.
- Can you see where it’s sitting in your energy or even your body?
- Is there a pattern coming through.
- Can you see it paying out in those around you in some way.
The more you look the more you will start to see and understand.
Take it piece by piece
Go slowly, take your time and pace yourself. As I’ve said the temptation to run can be overwhelming and you can get lost along the way.
One shadow aspect at a time until you can take it no further. Often times acknowledging it is enough to help it release. Attention was all that was required. Others can take a looooooong time to unpick and finesse.
Balance it out with fun stuff. The things that make you happy and feeling upbeat. Too much of one can overpower the other. Balance is key.
What happens if I get stuck?
Listen I’ve been there. Shadow work can feel overpowering and as if no end is in sight.
You absolutely can get help with this – I certainly did. Do your homework first. Find someone that knows what they are doing, is happy to chat upfront and feels right. Trust that gut of yours as this is important work.
Can I help? Yes. Am I the right fit for everyone – no. But I’ll be the right fit for some.
Shadow work is not scary – it’s just work.
Cheryl // Dragon Ascension Therapies