Shadow Work
Photo by Evie Shaffer @evieshaffer
I am using the term shadow work because it looks cool and makes sense to me, but I am aware there may be some stigma surrounded by it’s use in common culture. Therefore, as a disclaimer, this article is my interpretation of the term based on how I’ve used it and how it has worked in my life for me, personally. This type of work can be extremely difficult, but it can also be done in small increments. No matter what, it is always rewarding.
Understanding Shadow Work
Step one of shadow work is understanding what the work is. As we move through life, there are foundational beliefs that guide every single action we do and every single word we speak. These are core beliefs and becoming clear on our core beliefs is the essence of what shadow work is.
During this work, we often accidentally uncover uncomfortable memories from our past that have shaped who we are now. These memories usually have deep meaning to us because they hurt, sometimes very deeply, and were pivotal points in our lives where we established new conclusions about ourselves and the world around us. Some don’t hurt as much, but they were still memorable enough to create a belief that is now hindering life today.
As we move through shadow work, these memories come up for our brain to analyze so that we can form new conclusions and move forward in a healthier way. These memories are never random, even if they seem to be. The brain is very organized and will always show us memories that are relevant to what we need to heal first, so we can move forward in our lives today.
I think rule number one is: expect it to hurt, but know it is all for good reason. It is necessary to open up the wound to let it go, but the pain is temporary and fleeting.
If you want to do this work but are scared, that’s ok. Set an intention to go slowly and at your own pace, or set an intention to find a guide. You do not need to dive in and completely drown yourself in your past unless you feel confident in your ability to remain positive and want to just get it over with. I’ve done that with some of the bigger topics that I’ve had trouble with in my life and it sucks for about a day or two, but throughout the process I am constantly reminding myself that this is temporary and I’m just a witness to learn what I was holding onto so I can let it go. With my core beliefs, I am able to do that because I now deeply understand that once the problem surfaces and manifests in the reality around me, it will never again repeat itself in that manner because I will have learned the lesson.