As we have learned over the past couple of weeks, shadow work can be hard but also be equally beneficial. Yet despite knowing that it can be good for our health and wellbeing we still resist doing it. Perhaps we are afraid of what might be uncovered.
Shadow work can definitely be confronting. It can reveal parts of the self you are afraid to see. These are perhaps the two main reasons why people resist doing the shadow work. The science of fear is a strong feeling which can impact on your ability to live a full, balanced life. You can read more about the science of fear in a previous post.
But repressing the shadow can also lead to an unhealthy lifestyle and problems you may not have realised.
When you are afraid of what you may uncover it usually means that it is something important you don’t want to relive. Instead you have focused a lot of energy on avoiding having to face it. In the process, avoiding the thing you are afraid to face ultimately ends up making you unwell.
By facing your shadow you can take control of your health and wellbeing by starting with the root cause of the problem.
Most people only address the symptoms such as unhealthy relationships, depression or anxiety with quick fixes which only provide short term solutions. Then days or weeks later they fall back into the same feeling of negativity and unhappiness. This is because they have not looked deeper to uncover the root cause of their problem.
Shadow work allows you to dig deeper to uncover the real reason why you may be feeling and behaving as you do.
Doing the shadow work is essential to facing your fears, being truthful with yourself and learning to improve your life. You are the only one who can do this, no-one can do it for you.
Once you find the courage and confidence to challenge the shadow and bring it into the light, you will discover how much you will improve your overall health and wellbeing. It may open your eyes to a side of yourself you never knew existed. When you know your true self you will be able to show up confidently and authentically with full clarity.
Disclaimer – Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to go through shadow work alone if it becomes too stressful or upsetting, depending on what comes up for you. You can seek the assistance of your doctor, a psychologist or a holistic counsellor who are trained to listen and guide you through shadow work. Sometimes it helps to have someone go on the journey with you – especially if you are new to shadow work.