Create an authentic and empowering life by exploring your shadow
Many would like to understand how to work with their shadow, but are not sure where or how to start. Opening a dialogue with your Shadow allows for a deeper understanding that leads to greater creativity, empowerment, authenticity, and soul purpose. The shadow is whatever you have stuffed into a corner and not allowed yourself to look at. It’s like a splinter in your foot that won’t go away or stops you from doing something you love. Here are questions you can journal with to start a dialogue with your shadow for better understanding.
1. What provokes you? Sally (fictional character) went to work and was very upset to see the new woman working the cash register. — When you get angry or even happy just by looking at someone, you are reflecting a dark side of yourself on the other person.
What is really causing the anger; What are you really mad about?
What memory from your past feels like this situation?
Who do they remind you of, you or someone else?
What little grain of truth about you is reflected in this person?
2. What thoughts do you chase away? Sally began to worry about her taxes and immediately dismissed that thought. — If there’s something we don’t want to look at and refuse to think about, there’s a good chance it’s a shadow aspect.
What is the first memory you have around responsibility and/or money (or worrying about driving away)?
What did they tell you about money or responsibility?
What belief is not really yours and are you willing to give up?
What is your inner truth about responsibility and money?
3. What stops you from doing what you want? Sally always wanted to be an actress, but every time she thought about it, she heard a little voice say, “That’s silly, acting is pretending and it’s not a serious profession, you can’t make a good living acting!” Or how about, “It’s impossible (insert yours here) because you’re not smart enough, strong enough, good enough, pretty enough, etc.
Whose voice did you hear say those words when you were younger?
Can you see their insecurities or fears and realize that they are not yours?
What words of love can you replace them with?
Your soul, your higher self wants you to be successful and have your heart’s desire. What message of love would your soul or higher self tell you?
When you have worked through any of these steps in your journal, allow love to flow through you (from your higher source) for the work you did and radiate it to anyone and everyone who may have been involved in the situation.
Forgiveness is an important key to integrating your shadow, both for forgiving yourself and forgiving others. Integrating your shadow is very important to living an authentic life.