As you try to know yourself and grow, there’s something you might miss—shadow work. It might sound strange, but it’s a way to heal and feel better about yourself.
In the latest episode of Fear Less, an audio series on The Recovery Warriors Show podcast channel, we explore the profound concept of shadow work and its incredible potential to heal and lead us toward wholeness.
Understanding Shadow Work
The term “shadow work” might be new to you, but essentially, it is about looking at the parts within you that you usually hide or avoid.
These could be things you’re scared of when it comes to food and body, times when you felt bad, or events from your past that still haunt you.
If you’re new to the concept, just be gentle when unpacking it.
Jessica Flint
When you take a closer look at these things, it can help you figure out why you do certain things, react, or feel a certain way.
The Reflection in the Mirror
In the episode, host Andrea Wells shared how facing your shadow and digging into the hidden parts of yourself can be something you want to avoid.
She compared it to looking in the mirror, and how facing your own reflection can be a difficult and emotionally-charged experience when struggling with an eating disorder and negative body image.
The same sentiment can ring true with shadow work. It might seem a little scary to dig into these hidden parts, but it’s worth it.
But when you bring these things into the light, they don’t have as much power over you.
This can help you stop doing things that hurt you, and you can have better relationships with yourself and with other people.
You can’t get rid of your shadows. You just have to learn to work with them.
Andrea Wells
However, working with your shadow is an ongoing process that requires compassion and self-kindness.
It’s not about judging yourself, but rather about acknowledging and accepting all aspects of who you are.
Journeying Into the Unknown
Approaching shadow work requires embracing the unknown and seeing the potential for positive outcomes.
By shining a light on your shadows, you become a more whole, integrated person, and find freedom from the food and body fears holding you back.
The shadow is there to awaken you to all these hidden parts of yourself – good and bad.
Jessica Flint
Jessica highlights the importance of releasing the belief in perfection portrayed on social media, as everyone struggles and has a shadow.
Through shadow work, you can also increase your capacity to love others and accept their imperfections.
Stepping Into the Shadows
When approaching shadow work, it is encouraged that you do so with curiosity.
By using a Socratic approach of questioning and exploration, you can awaken hidden parts of yourself and better understand your triggers.
Engaging in shadow work is like taking steps to understand and mend yourself.
As you go and uncover these hidden aspects, you will begin to feel more positive about your true self and can make choices that benefit you.
This process will empower you to be authentic and be more kind to yourself.
When embarking on this transformative journey, Jessica and Andrea urge you to cultivate self-compassion and seek professional help if needed.
Conclusion
Shadow work is not for the faint of heart but the rewards of embracing our shadows and integrating them into our lives are immeasurable.
Listen to the full episode to discover how our shadows hold immense potential for growth and restoration.
Let us tread this path together, Fear Less warriors, for it is in embracing the shadows that we truly find the light.
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