Veiled in Mystery - Your Halloween Chronicles
“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.”
- Carl Jung
As the curtain of darkness descends, ushering in an era of vampires, witches, and creatures of the night, let's take a moment to embrace the shadows that reside within us. It is within the dance of darkness and light that we truly find ourselves.
So, what exactly is shadow work?
Our shadows are the unseen facets of our personality, hidden away from our conscious mind. More often than not, we remain oblivious to these dimensions of our being, even though they are the very threads that could unravel our potential.
Imagine shadows as the neglected spaces underneath your bed, collecting dust and forgotten memories. These shadows reside within each of us, and we could go an entire lifetime turning a blind eye to these more obscure parts of our being.
Out of fear, we build fortresses around them, unintentionally creating patterns that shield these shadows. However, when we gather the courage to confront them, they transform into portals leading us towards liberation.
I still vividly recall my younger self, petrified of the imaginary monsters lurking beneath my bed. Night after night, I would take a running start, leaping from the bathroom to my bed, swiftly diving under the covers, and holding my breath in anticipation. Even as my weary parents assured me that all was well, I couldn’t shake the belief that the monsters were simply biding their time, waiting for the right moment to re-emerge.
It took years, but eventually, armed with determination, I decided to face my fears head-on.
I cautiously peered under my bed, only to find…
nothing.
Just empty space.
LIBERATION!
Now, it did take a considerable amount of time to completely dismantle the ingrained pattern of fear that sent me flying into my bed night after night, but the journey had begun. The seed of living a life less limited by fear was planted. Confronting my shadow empowered me with a newfound sense of control and agency.
This act of facing my inner darkness is the essence of the shadow work I guide my clients through today.
Think about all the moments when we’ve masked parts of ourselves out of shame.
Someone implies that we’re too much of this or not enough of that (feel free to insert your own examples here: too sensitive, too free-spirited, excessively enthusiastic, etc.).
When shame or guilt creeps in, we bury that side of ourselves, giving rise to new behavioral patterns. These patterns eventually weave themselves into the fabric of our personality. We become so adept at wearing our masks that we lose touch with our authentic selves.
Are you spooked yet?
Fear not, for there is a path leading back to your true self!
Your journey begins with a closer examination of your most cherished relationships.
The challenges we face in our most intimate bonds offer valuable clues about the shadows lurking within us. If there are parts of ourselves that we have yet to accept, it becomes impossible to accept those same traits in others. When we witness a loved one displaying behavior that mirrors our own hidden shame, our natural response is irritation and judgment – we are triggered.
Yet, herein lies the magic; our triggers are the keys to our emancipation.
When my younger self bravely confronted the shadows beneath my bed – and, by extension, the shadows within – it marked the dawn of a new chapter in my life. Mustering the courage to face our shadows and unveil our hidden masks is a journey toward wholeness, authenticity, and empowerment.
Your freedom is nestled within your shadows.
Do you have the courage to explore them?
