Shadow work involves embracing the aspects of ourselves that remain in shadow, unexpressed, or hidden. Our shadow includes aspects of our personality that are unconscious and can include both positive aspects as well as the darker aspects. When our shadow remains unconscious, we may be ruled by it, and this can keep us from living our full potential.
Mindfulness and meditation can help us to see ourselves clearly. We can cultivate awareness of the whole of who we are, practice treating all aspects of ourselves with lovingkindness and self-compassion, and integrate all aspects of ourselves. In this way, we experience a greater sense of wholeness.
Curiously, people resist the noble aspects of their shadow more strenuously than they hide the dark sides. –Robert Johnson
Through mindfulness meditation, we can bring both the noble and dark sides of the shadow into awareness and begin to consciously assimilate them into our personality, which supports our journey toward healing and wholeness.
You might try meditation with awareness of all aspects of yourself. As you engage in your mindfulness practice, begin to notice what aspects of your being begin to emerge into the light.
Then try a mindful journaling practice with shadow work in mind in response to these journaling prompts: How can you bring those nobler aspects into a more conscious expression in your daily life? And how can you begin to heal what drives the darker aspects?
Jen Johnson is a mindfulness teacher, coach, and therapist teaching meditation for healing, creativity, and resilience. If you would like guidance in developing a regular mindfulness practice, register for the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction MBSR online course.