What is Shadow Work?

Shadow work is a passive practice that we all do. Whenever we reflect on who we truly are, where we come from or why we behave the way we do; we are doing a form of shadow work. Meaning that we are seeking an answer that is hidden inside of our Self. That something could be a  connection to an ancestor, grief about our relationship with a friend, clues about our purpose  in this lifetime, or keys to gaining more abundance in the world.

When we are in a period of expansion and  transformation in our lives we are called to do more active shadow work. Journaling, psychotherapy, meditation and astrology are all tools for more active shadow working. 

Shadow work is a key component in any spiritual journey. Spirituality is all about finding out more about our true identities, our relationship with the world, and our connection to a higher source. Therefore a spiritual journey is a call to expand your conscious understanding of your individual self in relationship with this planet and the cosmos.  

Oftentimes it is the shadow work that we’re running from in our spiritual journeys because we have learned to fear the unknowns of ourselves. This fear of our own darkness is a result of us being taught to associate darkness with evil and “negativity.” And so, instead of meeting our darkness with confidence and curiosity we have a tendency to run and hide in terror. Darkness is also a space for protecting the things that matter the most to you (your sacred items), it is also a space for growing something vulnerable i.e babies growing in the womb or burying seeds in the ground. So, thoughIt is true that shadow work includes facing our unexamined grief in the form of trauma, repressed memories and suppressed emotions. Shadow work is also a way to uncover unknown joys, talents, and gifts.