What is The Shadow?
Everyone has a shadow.
The Shadow is a concept coined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. It describes the part of ourselves we try to hide and pretend doesn’t exist.
At Sláinte Solutions we use techniques such as hypnosis and meditation to help you to uncover what lies beneath your consciousness and integrate your shadow in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Dr. Jordan Peterson, clinical psychologist, professor, and best-selling author of 12 Rules For Life discussing The Shadow.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious,
it will direct your life and you will call it fate."
-Carl Jung
Several aspects of the shadow are selfishness, aggression, arrogance, shame, and fear.
A failure to integrate one's shadow properly can be caused by a variety of circumstances, but it is most commonly a direct consequence of an upbringing where someone is raised to reject (or internalize) their aggression.
This is often expressed in women as being unable to properly handle confrontation, or negotiation; resulting in workplace/career, or relationship issues.
In men a lack of shadow integration can be expressed by criticizing others who share your flaws, unfair and/or harsh judgment of others, feelings of shame, or always being the victim.
However the above only describes a few of the most common expressions of an uncontrolled shadow. The many negative consequences that can affect your life as a result of keeping your shadow hidden away are not gender exclusive or limited to one or two instances; they can also include:​
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Addictions
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Uncontrollable rage/anger
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Social anxiety
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Obsessive/compulsive behavior
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Sexual deviancy
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Depression
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Self-sabotage
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Neuroticism
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Limiting beliefs
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Feelings of inadequacy
What is Shadow Work?
Shadow Work is the process of exploring the negative aspects of the self for the purposes of integrating your shadow. There are various means to do this, but you must first acknowledge your shadow, and then embrace and befriend it. Only by becoming conscious and bringing these aspects to the surface can you begin to live authentically, discover your inner wisdom, life purpose, and gain access to what many ancient philosophers refer to as the "Higher Self" or "Soul Consciousness".
Shadow Work is an endeavor you enter into of your own choice. It is for those who want to embrace their repressed, inner darkness and turn it into strength. When we work with our shadow we reclaim the projections we place on others and go within, beginning to listen and turn those aspects inside ourselves instead.
Working with the shadow - rather than against it as we are often taught to - is how you integrate the aspects of your unconscious psyche into your conscious experience and allow the positive aspects of the shadow to express themselves.
What Happens During Shadow Work?
When our clients choose Shadow Work, we utilize nearly every one of our methods to help facilitate this process during our sessions. Unlike many of our other solutions, Shadow Work requires an effort on the part of the client beyond our office - it may involve homework such as meditative exercises, journaling, and self-hypnosis.
Our Shadow Work program does not follow a strict outline, rather, it is - for the most part - heavily tailored to each individual client.
However, some tools we utilize include:
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Mindfulness meditation practice and/or presence time consciousness training.
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Cultivating self-awareness through journaling (stream-of-consciousness writing)
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Radical honesty exercises, dissolution of "inner critic" or other modes of judgment
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Self-hypnosis regiments to tackle limiting beliefs
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Physical strength training to tame and integrate appropriate aggression
Why Should I Do Shadow Work?
Shadow Work is the most profoundly transformative program we offer. If Shadow Work did not require that the client participate so actively in such a consistent way toward more incremental progress, we would recommend it for every client we have.
Shadow Work slowly strengthens and fortifies many aspects of yourself. Ultimately allowing you to become loving and compassionate to both yourself and others as well as resilient to the many trials and terrors life brings. When you work with the shadow you begin to reclaim the projections you put onto others; turning inward and beginning to listen, understand, and gently heal those aspects within yourself instead.
When properly integrated, the shadow has traits that you can use to further your own personal development.
Some of the traits of those who have integrated their shadow include:
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Creativity
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Intuition
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Physical Health & Improved Immune System
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Resilience
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Self-Esteem, Self-Respect, Confidence
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Patience
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Emotional Intelligence
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Emotional Strength
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Tenacity
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Assertiveness
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Negotiating Skills
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Honest Compassion for Self & Others
Integrating your shadow is not easy work;
but until you own your shadow - your shadow will own you!
Are you ready to begin your journey to self-awareness and freedom?
Now is the time! Live the life you were born to live!
Contact us today for your complimentary consultation! During which we will discuss your challenges, goals, and develop a personalized plan for you so you can begin your new life!
UNLOCK YOUR INNER POWER - TODAY!