WHAT IS SHADOW WORK, AND WHY IS IT AMAZING?
- Maria Luna
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 1
Words + (most) Images By Maria Luna
I. WHAT IS THE SHADOW?
The Shadow is a term coined by Carl Jung, pioneering visionary, Swiss psychiatrist, and founder of analytical psychology.
The shadow consists of the unconscious aspects of our personalities, including the qualities or emotions we may not acknowledge or recognize, but that still influence our thoughts, perceptions and behaviors.
II. HOW IS THE SHADOW FORMED?
The shadow forms naturally through the process of socialization. All humans have a shadow!
Essentially, as we grow and interact with our family, peers, and society at large, we receive feedback, both implicit and explicit, about which aspects of our personalities are accepted, praised, or rewarded; and which are frowned upon, criticized, or punished. This process of socialization shapes our conscious understanding of who we are and how we should behave.
Because we are social creatures and depend on social belonging for survival, the formation of the shadow is a natural, automatic, inescapable, biological process.
The thing is, those aspects of ourselves that don’t fit in with societal or familial expectations don’t just disappear!
They get pushed down into our unconscious mind— into the shadow. This can include everything from high-sensation, taboo emotions like rage, lust, or jealousy; to more neutral traits such as introversion or ambition.
Again, these hidden aspects of ourselves don’t go away— they continue to influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions, often in ways we don’t understand or can’t control.
Thus each person’s shadow is uniquely shaped by the cultural, social, and familial environments in which one was raised.
III. IS THE SHADOW “BAD”?
There are many misconceptions that the repressed parts of ourselves which make up the shadow are “bad”, or full of life-negating energies. However, as Jung himself said, “The shadow is ninety percent pure gold.”
Indeed, the shadow is full of treasures waiting to be discovered.
In my years of studying shadow work I have found an abundance of qualities such as creativity, motivation, resourcefulness, empathy, courage, profound wisdom and insight become available to me, the more I intentionally engage with my shadow.
In various mythologies dragons are known to guard treasure. This is an excellent metaphor for the unconscious: it may seem like a scary monster, but if we can only learn to tame the “dragon” of our fear and aversion to these misunderstood parts of ourselves; then we will discover untold, marvelous treasures within…
In truth, when we venture into the shadow, we are likely to discover a wealth of resources and capacities that can help us grow, thrive, and reach our full potential. These might include untapped creativity, suppressed emotions that can fuel positive action, or aspects of our personality that we’ve been taught to deny but, when embraced, lead to greater authenticity and wholeness.
IV. OUR FULL POTENTIAL IS ACCESSED THROUGH THE SHADOW
Note that our potential as individuals is definitely NOT limited to the traits and qualities society deems acceptable. In fact, in order to access our highest potential, greatest flourishing, and authentic self expression, we usually have to be willing to reintegrate and embrace aspects of ourselves that have been relegated to our shadow.
Ultimately, our full potential isn’t found in adhering to societal norms or living up to other’s expectations.
Rather, we come to embody our full potential through the process of embracing ALL aspects of ourselves— light AND shadow— and integrating them into a cohesive whole.
The shadow thus holds keys to a richer, more fulfilling life, enabling us to achieve and become more than we usually dare to dream.
V. WHAT IS SHADOW WORK?
Shadow work is the process of self-exploration wherein we work to uncover, acknowledge, accept, and integrate the unconscious or disowned aspects of our personality.
The goal of shadow work is to bring into conscious awareness the aspects of ourselves we’ve repressed, denied, or disowned; and understand how they influence our thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Shadow work can involve various methods INCLUDING journaling, dreamwork, art therapy, plant medicine, and working with a guide.
Shadow work is extremely powerful because it helps us to uncover, befriend, and integrate the lost or disowned parts of ourselves; in turn leading to greater self-understanding, acceptance, and wholeness.
Shadow work is ALSO a fast track to what Carl Jung called “individuation”: a deeply felt sense of wholeness, through discovering and embodying one’s distinct unique identity, while simultaneously being in harmony with the outer world.
Shadow work is not always comfortable!!
Indeed, it asks us to look at the very things in ourselves that we habitually turn away from, consciously or unconsciously, to protect ourselves from discomfort.
Nonetheless, it is a golden road that can lead to profound insight, personal empowerment, wholeness, inner peace, and creative flourishing.
VI. WHAT ARE SHADOW LOVE SESSIONS?
Shadow Love sessions are my signature 1:1 sessions in which we dive into your personal shadow together in a safe, compassionate, non judgmental space.
It’s essentially shadow work with a guide; a trained and benevolent presence holding your hand and guiding you safely through the process, so you can go WAY farther and deeper than you could on your own.
I call them Shadow Love sessions because to me, shadow work is not just the uncomfortable, grueling process of facing our inner darkness that many believe shadow work to be.
In my experience, shadow work is actually a profoundly beautiful experience of reconnecting to ourselves more deeply than we ever thought possible!
You will be surprised that in turning towards parts of yourself you have been taught to fear and stuff down, you actually discover deep love, strength and beauty in all of those parts.
To me, shadow work is NOT like climbing a scary, rocky mountain surrounded by hot lava— it’s more like a HOMECOMING!
I aim to bring this energy of love, beauty and awe palpably and respectfully into our shadow work process. That’s why these are called Shadow Love sessions.
If love truly permeates the whole of creation, it makes sense that even our darkest parts are rooted in love as well.
This discovery alone is life changing! And you can only discover it for yourself, by looking deeply within. I’m just here to provide the safe structure, courage and moral support for you to do so ;)
I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAL, TRANSFORM AND GROW WITH YOU!!
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