Work of the Soul

 

                                                                                                                                                                      According to Carl Jung, our shadow can be said to consist of energy patterns, known as selves or sub-personalities that were disowned — pushed down into our unconscious in childhood, as part of our coping strategies.  Many people are unaware that they are operating out of these unconscious patterns. Through Inner Child work and voice dialogue sessions you can identify, heal and reclaim these lost aspects.

In order to transform and heal the Shadow we must first acknowledge, befriend and embrace it. We must begin to shine the light of our own awareness on those parts of ourselves that we judge as unlovable or unworthy.  One easy way to locate those unclaimed aspects is to look at how and where you are judging others.  We usually recognize and judge others before we are aware of how we are judging ourselves. When we work with the shadow we begin to  reclaim those projections. We turn inward and begin to gently listen and heal those aspects.

The goal of working with the shadow is to integrate and come to know and accept all of those parts that we have attempted to hide or run from.  Some may not be aware that these aspects exist.  Shadow work is an ongoing process and it calls for those who are fully committed to  their own inner work.  Through this work one is able to slowly deepen and include all of the many interior aspects and to be loving and kind to that which was previously rejected. This eventually allows us to be more compassionate to both ourselves and to others. It is instinctive work which asks us to follow our own soul’s call and inward responses.  It asks us to change our views, perspectives and beliefs. It asks us to invite the other in and to embrace our weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

By facing the shadow we begin to shine a light into the darkness and invite that which has been hiding to come out. It asks us to bring out our secrets out from the corners.   It means to ask inwardly questions such as; Why am I so irritated or annoyed with that person? Where does that live within me? What frightens me about that person? Who do they make me think of?

 Shadow work if practiced can eventually lead to not only compassion for self but also for others.

By watching our reactions and judgments towards others we eventually begin to see that it is ourselves we are judging and it is our own denial that is causing the suffering.  By claiming our projections we draw back to ourselves our own power.   We must excavate the darkness of our own being until we find the light.

Where is shadow work done? The world is your classroom and with every situation a teaching.  If we decide to shine the light within we will eventually begin to shine our light on to those around us.  We become more open and able to receive and to honor all people.

 

We are confronted with the collective shadow wherever we turn. The violence we see, the excess and addiction, war.  Families all have their shadow, as do most organizations.  If you were to ask me what the most important tool on the path of transformation I would say the mirror. If you want to know how you are doing look around at the situations in your life. With just a quick glance into the world mirror you should quickly be able to know where you are on and how you are doing.  Listen to your body for it will also tell you how you are doing.  Are you ready to look within?

 

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