Coming Out Of The Shadows

Most of us hide our true selves behind personas and do our best to protect our created self-images from the judgment of others.

Carl Jung teaches without an understanding of the shadow part of ourselves, and without the ability to confront our shadow selves can lead to feel triggered unexpectedly, or lead towards certain behaviors and reactions that prevent us from healing or being our authentic selves.

For example: personally, I was taught that my “bossiness” was a flaw from an early age, instead of it being accepted and nurtured as the assertiveness of a potential leader. This created the persona of shyness and people pleasing tendencies that those closest to me see right through. It also generates hostility towards others when they try to dominate a situation, because that is my suppressed shadow trait.

Shadow traits can also be positive aspects of a personality and often, a tremendous amount of beauty in our personality exists in the Shadow.

Exploring our shadow can lead to greater genuineness, resourcefulness, and both professional and personal growth. This reflective process is crucial for reaching our truest potential.

All of us may reach new levels of success by making progress in our process of Individuation.

Shadow work can transfer to the workplace. What we have found in our shadow personally, can expand our professional capacities as well.

What characteristics of shadow do you think you could benefit from if embraced and used to its full potential in a positive way?