"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become."

- C.G. Jung

Shadow Work

The shadow is a term used by Carl Jung, the famed founder of analytical psychology, to describe the aspects of ourselves that have been disowned or dismissed and yet continue to "drive the bus" from our illusive unconscious mind. From the moment we are born, our Whole Selves begin to be shaped by our families, society, cultural expectations, traumatic experiences, and so on. We are convinced or influenced to believe that meaningful pieces of ourselves are not welcome, that when unmasked and integrated, allow us to become more balanced and aligned with our true selves. By meeting the shadow and doing the work to accept and integrate these repressed, suppressed, or oppressed parts of ourselves , the following benefits can be experienced:

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• Increased self awareness

• Increased compassion for yourself and others

• Reduced reactivity to triggers

• Recognition and resolution of old, unhelpful or harmful patterns

• Increased patience and empathy

• Increased creativity and self-empowerment

• Improved mental clarity and decision making

• Improved mental health relating to anxiety and depression

Whether you are familiar with or new to the concept of shadow work, your curiosity and self exploration are welcome and invited here!