We all carry a hidden side - parts of ourselves we’ve learned to repress, hide, or disown. Carl Jung called this the ‘Shadow’: the traits, feelings, and instincts we push away in order to fit in, feel safe, or be accepted.

‘Shadow Work’ is the conscious practice of meeting those parts with curiosity instead of shame. It’s about bringing light to what we’ve buried - not to fix ourselves, but to become more whole.

Why It Matters

When you don’t acknowledge your shadow, it doesn’t disappear - it drives your life from the back seat.

It shows up as:

• Strong emotional triggers

• Self-sabotage or harsh inner criticism

• Patterns you keep repeating

• A feeling that part of you is “missing”

‘Shadow Work’ helps you:

• Recognise your triggers as invitations

• Reclaim suppressed qualities (power, joy, voice)

• Reduce internal conflict and projection

• Build self-awareness, self-trust, and authenticity

What Is the ‘Shadow’?

Your shadow can include anything you’ve learned to hide:

• Emotions: anger, grief, jealousy, tenderness

• Traits: ambition, sexuality, confidence, creativity

• Needs: attention, affection, space, connection

These parts were often repressed in childhood - not because they were bad, but because they weren’t safe or welcome in your environment.

What ‘Shadow Work’ Involves

‘Shadow Work’ isn’t about dredging up trauma or wallowing in darkness. It’s about:

• Identifying emotional triggers and repeating patterns

• Observing your judgments, projections, and defences

• Integrating what’s been exiled through journaling, reflection, or facilitated work

You don’t need to be a psychologist. You just need honesty, compassion, and willingness.

A Journey Toward Wholeness

This isn’t a quick fix. It’s a process of returning to yourself - one part at a time.

You may begin to feel:

• Less reactivity, more responsiveness

• Stronger boundaries and clarity

• More energy, creativity, and choice

‘Shadow Work’ is how we stop abandoning ourselves. It’s the path of re-connection.