Shadow Werk!
Anyway lets get in to the real, real quick.... Shadow work!!!! First like everything else lets break down the meaning of your "shadow self" and then ill elaborate on the work i did myself, what surfaced, and a few tips/tricks to aide in the work. As always there will be a journal prompt as well as a recipe, for today there will be an herbal tea as well as a spiritual bath recipe and instructions.
Ok so boom: The "shadow self" is a concept in psychology and spirituality that represents the parts of ourselves we often repress or deny. These aspects can include fears, insecurities, and darker emotions that we might consider undesirable. Spiritually, embracing the shadow self is about acknowledging and integrating these hidden parts into our conscious awareness
I've realized that a lot of people show up in the world wearing a "mask." It's like we're all trying to present the best version of ourselves, you know? We tend to highlight the traits that we think are desirable or acceptable for others to see. It's almost like we're curating a version of ourselves that's easy for the world to digest.
But behind that mask, there’s so much more going on—parts of us that we might feel aren’t as appealing or that we’ve been taught to hide. Embracing our “shadow self” means acknowledging those hidden aspects, too. It’s about accepting the messy, imperfect parts of who we are, which can lead to real growth and connection. So, while the mask might help us fit in, it’s the shadow that holds the key to our authenticity and true self-acceptance.
The first thing I did was sit with myself, completely distraction-free. At first, it felt a bit strange, but eventually, I understood why I was drawn to this practice. Keep in mind, I’ve always been the introverted, lone wolf type. I genuinely enjoy solitude and the freedom it brings.
So, I started asking myself simple questions, like, "Why do I suppress my feelings?" And, wow, it was like the floodgates opened. Honestly, I believe many women, especially Black women, suppress their emotions for all sorts of reasons—whether it's to avoid being labeled as the "angry Black woman" at work or to uphold that "grin and bear it" mentality that’s been passed down through generations. I had become a master at suppression! ** energetically this is the reason for many auto immune diseases/throat/stomach issues etc.**
It took me a while to truly sit with my feelings and understand how I really felt about certain things. On the outside, I might have appeared calm and unbothered, but inside, I was absolutely screaming and crying. This is where my journey with emotional intelligence began, learning that it’s safe for me to express my emotions. which has a bit to do with inner child healing ~ that's another story for another day...
Anyway, shedding light on the shadow aspects of yourself and loving them and giving yourself grace is how you become one with the shadow self.
Mirror meditations can be a powerful practice. Find a quiet space and sit in front of your mirror. Take a moment to really look into your own eyes. What do you see? What emotions come up for you? At first, it might feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable, but that’s part of the process. Make this a regular practice until you feel more at ease with yourself. Once you get comfortable, start your day with a simple yet affirming ritual. Each morning, as you stand before your mirror, look yourself in the eye and say, “Good morning, beautiful.”
This will set a positive tone for your day and help you cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. Over time, it encourages self-acceptance and fosters a loving relationship with who you are. Embrace this time as a way to honor and celebrate yourself!
Identifying triggers is a crucial step in shadow work. When you encounter strong negative emotions, take a moment to reflect on those feelings—what do they reveal about your shadow self? These intense reactions often highlight parts of you that you might be suppressing or denying. Similarly, pay attention to how you react to others' behaviors. Our responses can serve as mirrors, reflecting unacknowledged aspects of ourselves. By exploring these triggers and reactions, you can gain valuable insights into your shadow, paving the way for deeper self-awareness and healing.
Please understand that healing and self-work does not mean you won’t encounter triggers or feel anger—it's completely normal. As you gain tools to navigate these situations, you'll learn to approach them more introspectively. Your relationship with anger will evolve; it’s absolutely okay to feel what you feel. Try to sit with that anger and explore why you respond the way you do in certain situations. This practice can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding, allowing you to process emotions in a healthier way. Embrace this journey as part of your growth!
-Shadow work is so extensive and ongoing that I will be breaking it up into multiple parts in later post(s) to come
There are two books i want you to read/listen to: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 & The Mountain Is You
Journal Prompt:
"What aspects of myself do I often hide or ignore? How do these parts show up in my life, and what might they be trying to teach me?"
Tea:
lemon slice
8oz Water
Sweeten with desired amount of Raw Honey
Spiritual bath:
Lavender
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