Understanding The Shadow And How It Can Help You Own Your Vulnerability As A Highly Successful Person
The goal of Jungian therapy is to become whole through the discovery and acceptance of the conscious and unconscious parts of the self and therefore become who you are truly meant to be. One of the core principles of this type of therapy is the belief that when your authentic self is blocked somehow, you’re at a greater risk of developing negative coping mechanisms and living a more unfulfilled life.
To avoid this we encourage shadow work. The shadow is everything we reject about ourselves incorporating the primitive and negative aspects, emotions, and impulses. By understanding one's shadow and utilizing the Jungian method to work through it, you’ll be able to see areas of your unconscious mind that might be blocking you from presenting as the most authentic self that you can be. Let’s look closer at shadow work and how you can begin this process with your experienced therapist.
What Is the Shadow?
According to the creator of Jungian therapy, Carl Jung, the shadow is the unconscious part of the self that doesn’t line up with the type of person you want to be. It’s made of repressed thoughts, weaknesses, and the parts which we disown and/or do not see, both positive and negative.
It should come as no surprise that the shadow forms over time. It’s not something that envelops you all at once. Rather, it builds in your unconscious mind due to adaptation to societal norms and cultural expectations you had to adapt to maintain your sense of safety and belonging. Simply put, the shadow is a block to being your truest self.
Examining Your Shadow
Many people unknowingly avoid exploring their shadows because they don’t want to discover any signs of hypocrisy or complacency. However, understanding the shadow can help you overcome those issues and be more authentic. Not only will that help in your professional life, but it can also improve your personal life.
It’s often referred to as a “dark” side to the psyche, making it difficult to explore. But, as you begin shadow work, you’ll learn more about yourself and the things you truly want to overcome—as well as some of the societal norms that have caused you to block out your true self.
When you repress your shadow, you tend to project the qualities you deny in yourself onto others. For example, you feel that people are rude to you, however, this can be a quality you dislike in yourself and push down or evade. This can be problematic as it can cause you to avoid developing fulfilling relationships in both professional and personal settings as well as having a distorted perception of the people around you.
The Importance of Shadow Work
So, how can you work through your shadow and own your vulnerability? It’s not always easy for someone to open up to our “darker” sides. You might fear you’ll see a part of yourself you do not wish to see, a part you feel ashamed of, a part others do not accept. That’s not the case at all. Vulnerability can go a long way in you to feel connected and comfortable with being “you”. You’ll be a better leader, and you’ll feel better about being your true self.
When you approach your shadow with your therapist, you’ll benefit from using grounding techniques, cultivating self-compassion, and showing courageous honesty. As you go through shadow work, you’ll engage in inner dialogue, develop a better understanding of your emotional reactions, and get to know behavioral patterns within yourself. All of these exercises are designed to help you own your vulnerability and grow a deeper understanding of who you are.
If you would like to begin shadow work and exploring the unconscious, feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment and learn more about Jungian Oriented Therapy. Your vulnerability will never make you weak. Rather, owning it can help you feel more authentic, fulfilled, and creative than you have in years.