What is the Shadow Self?
Mentioning Jung in the introduction was no coincidence—this renowned psychiatrist was the first to introduce the concept of the "shadow self" in 1933.
The shadow self is an aspect of us that we repress and deny because it doesn’t align with the image we want to project or society’s expectations 😶. It can include personality traits like aggressiveness, jealousy, selfishness, or negative emotions such as shame, fear, and anger. We see these as flaws or weaknesses and prefer to keep them buried 🤧.
💬 Let’s be honest—what part of my shadow self do I hide the most?
I’d say it’s my jealousy 🤐. Since I struggle with imposter syndrome and don’t always believe in myself, I sometimes hold back. So when others take risks and succeed, I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy...
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How does the Shadow Self develop?
On one side, we have our light—a polished version of ourselves that we show to the world. On the other, we have our shadow, which is far more complex, as psychology expert Emeric Lebreton explains.
This hidden part of us often begins forming in childhood, as we grow and try to meet the expectations of parents and society 😕. That’s when we start internalizing the concepts of "good" and "bad."
Anything deemed unacceptable is pushed into the subconscious. Difficult or traumatic experiences can also create shadow aspects, as we suppress the emotions and reactions they evoke.
Why should you acknowledge your Shadow Self?
It's natural to suppress our shadow self, often without realizing it. However, it remains a core part of who we are. Fighting or repressing it only strengthens its unconscious grip on us. The result? Emotional blockages and unhappiness 🙁.
Embracing our darkness can turn it into a strength. Our shadow self holds potential—hidden qualities we may not recognize. For example, hypersensitivity can be transformed into empathy, making someone more compassionate. Are you hypersensitive? Confirm the signs here.
Personally, I’ve turned my jealousy into a motivation—to push myself, take chances, and share my art without hesitation.
How to do Shadow Work?
Shadow work isn’t about embracing the dark side like Anakin Skywalker (for my fellow Star Wars fans 😎). Instead, it’s about finding balance and becoming your true self.
Here are the six steps:
- 👉 Practice introspection: Look within with honesty and curiosity, paying attention to your emotions and reactions toward others.
- 👉 Identify the origins of your shadow self: Understanding its roots means exploring past experiences, societal conditioning, or childhood traumas that led you to reject parts of yourself.
- 👉 Communicate with your shadow: Imagine a conversation with this hidden part of yourself. What does it feel? What does it need? Offering it compassion creates inner acceptance.
- 👉 Recognize its strengths: Your shadow self isn’t just negative—it holds valuable traits too. For example, my jealousy stems from self-doubt, but it also pushes me to challenge myself.
- 👉 Express it consciously: Find healthy ways to let it out—write a letter, paint, dance, or journal.
- 👉 Practice self-compassion: Shadow work is about learning unconditional self-love. Embrace your shadow self with kindness, as you would comfort a wounded child.
Shadow work is challenging and requires courage. But by embracing and transforming our shadow selves, we break free from their unconscious hold and become our most complete, authentic selves 😉.
Editor's note: A safe space for Self-DiscoveryIf you're reading this, you likely feel a deep intuition that it’s time to explore your shadow self. Despite what social media might suggest, personal development isn’t a quick, linear process summed up in Instagram quotes or TikTok exercises.
Instead, it's like an archeological excavation of the self—some discoveries are unsettling, others liberating. Occasionally, we uncover wounds that require more than self-awareness.
This is why discernment is key—knowing when shadow work becomes too intense or triggers deep-seated trauma. In such cases, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Therapy provides a safe space to navigate these psychological depths and can be a valuable, sometimes essential, complement to your self-healing journey.
🤗 Self-awareness, self-acceptance, and happiness start here and now!
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