“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.

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.

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?