The Shadow Self

 The shadow self is all the ‘negative' parts of us, the human emotions and impulses such as rage, envy, greed, selfishness, desire, and the striving for power. 

We all have aspects to us that we’d rather not admit. We all do things or act a certain way that we’d rather not let anyone know about. Most importantly, at one point or another, we have all been in a dark place that has led us to make very ‘stupid mistakes’ and ‘bad life choices’. The part of us that we no longer claim to be is the shadow self. Here’s the bit that freaks most people out...Just because we no longer claim to be or have any of these qualities, doesn't mean they are not there! Even if you try your hardest to suppress it with a positive mindset, join ‘law of attraction’ groups on Facebook or practice gratitude; your shadow is ALWAYS right behind you. The more we ignore and avoid acknowledging these parts of ourselves the more it will turn against us when our positive mindset takes a turn. Because let's face it, as much as we want to...we can't be positive ALL THE TIME.

The shadow will still operate on its own without our full awareness. Doing things we wouldn't voluntarily do and later regret, saying things we wouldn't normally say, facial reactions expressing emotions we don't consciously feel.

Ignoring and not acknowledging our shadow will eventually hurt our relationships with our partners, family and friends. Make an impact on our professional relationships as well as our leadership abilities. In order to awaken yourself and thrive on your spiritual journey you must love your shadow self, become friends with it, love it unconditionally because after all, we would not know what we know today, we wouldn't have grown, we wouldn't have learnt the life lessons we needed to. When we acknowledge our shadow side the real awakening happens. You take accountability, you let go, you move forward knowing and understanding yourself in a whole new light. Relationships improve, you have a clearer perception of other people. You will separate a person from who they are and who they were. Your energy will be enhanced in-turn helping your physical health and creativity will flow in abundance. 

SO how do we do this?

It's really hard for us to look back at all the things that ‘went wrong’ in our lives, to acknowledge the times we really messed up. But this is where it starts. Centre yourself, make sure you have a space dedicated just for you where you will be free from distractions. Spend time there to meditate and hold letting go exercises. 

Have self-compassion. Forgive yourself, accept these things. Accept this was a person who didn't know what you do today. Don’t be hard on yourself. Remember that everyone has a shadow. Let go of what you can’t change. Use the emotional guidance scale to figure out where you're energy is right now, try the energy exercises to help raise your vibration. Reflect on your life but don't unpack and stay there.

Live life without judgement. Stay in the moment of now without criticising others. Most importantly and probably the hardest part of all, be honest with yourself. Admit those times you knew you were doing the wrong thing. You will continue to make wrong decisions here and there but the key is to own when you're doing it, be consciously aware of it. Re-evaluate attitudes, behaviours, dark thoughts and emotions you feel. Know that this takes real courage!

Record you're awakening. Invest in a journal dedicated to your shadow. Write about your journey in befriending and loving this side of you and in the future record when your shadow comes out and recognise the triggers that pull the shadow forward.