Are you looking to start shadow work for beginners?
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Shadow work makes people a bit apprehensive, but I know that most of us who have done it (continuously still working on it) will tell you how it has changed and improved our lives for the better – and it will for you too!
Let’s first start off by going over what shadow work even is.
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IS SHADOW WORK A REAL THING?
Yes, it is. No, it’s not. You’d have to decide that for yourself. But if you’d ask me of course shadow work is a real thing.
WHAT IS SHADOW WORK?
What is shadow work? It’s learning about the parts of ourselves that we do not acknowledge. The unconscious parts and experiences in our lives that we neglect.
It is just as what it says, a shadow is cast on either side of you, but it is still unrecognizable.
1. Going into the dark parts of yourself
This doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. It’s growing pains if I can relate it to anything. The key is not to suppress this part of you.
Ask yourself those hard questions and be honest.
Sometimes the how is more important than the why? [Listen Here]
SHADOW QUESTION:
What is it that you really want to do in life?
How do you view love in your life?
What do you know about the power of your subconscious mind?
2. Taking action
Not many of us could really manifest anything by just sitting around, all the time. Start holding yourself accountable and set those habits that you desire.
3. Setting boundaries
Have you ever got yourself in a situation where someone asked you for a favor, and you didn’t want to be mean or come off rude so you said yes but you really did not want to do it?
And then afterward regretted not saying no in the first place?
If you don’t set your boundaries you leave yourself vulnerable to yourself.
4. Curiosity in life & death
You must love what you do, and who you are! Even the parts we don’t see or know. Shadow work for beginners looks into the concept of life and death and what it means to you.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SHADOW WORK?
To live in a world with different aspects of ourselves. Most importantly, the awakened version of who you are. The greater you!
Shadow work for beginners is acknowledging that there are parts of you that need healing.
WHAT ARE SOME SHADOW TRAITS?
You may be wondering about traits of shadow work for beginners. Here are a few examples of shadow traits for feminine:
1. Manipulative
2. Aggressive
3. Obsessive
5. No boundaries
6. Undesire for life
7. Neglecting self
8. Holds shame
8. Feeling unworthy
9. People pleasing
10. Fear-based
Here are a few examples of shadow traits for masculine:
1. Toxic Aggression
2. No Action
3. Controlling
4. Lashing out
5. Belittling others
6. Unstable
7. Uncommitale
8. Avoids & neglects
9. Never enough
ARE EGO AND SHADOW THE SAME THING?
You can not have one without the other. Ego is your identity and the shadow is the part you hide behind.
HOW DO I BEGIN SHADOW WORK?
Everyone is different and there is no one way I can tell you how to start.
What works for someone else may not work for you.
That’s the best answer I can give you. However, I can give you some perspective on what guides you.
Remember that you – is the soul aspect of yourself.
You may not always be fully aware or conscious of it that’s the whole part of this. It’s the feeling you get when you get intuition and listen to it. That intuition is guiding us to our highest good.
We all have an internal roadmap.
1. Ask yourself why?
Getting a better understanding of what even got you here in the first place.
SHADOW QUESTIONS:
Why do you want to learn about shadow work?
What was it that got you interested?
How did you feel when you first heard the term and do you still feel the same way about it now?
2. Read more about it
Read more about shadow work, listen to podcasts, and become open to everyday life more consciously.
3. Start Journaling
Just as reading is on the list, so is writing. Go cast those spells on paper. (SPELLING)
You have no idea the power of writing unless you already know. This works wonders.
[You can start your journaling journey here]
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN SHADOWING?
Here are some ideas to consider when getting into your shadow work journal.
1. Start writing your life down
The power of writing is phenomenal. It allows you to see the thoughts that were actually in your head physically. Visualization is also key.
2. Ask yourself those hard questions and be honest with yourself.
Let’s send you our 22 shadow work questions to get you started. You got this!
3. Solitude
This is probably not the easiest thing to do. But you know what they say, you make time for what you want to make time for. No excuses.
You and get to know yourself so that you may share a brighter you with others.
SHADOW QUESTION:
What comes to mind when you think of solitude?
Could you go without your phone for example?
When was the last time you were just alone with NO DISTRACTIONS?
Shadow work may put you in uncomfortable situations.
If you want the life of your dreams and desires then you need to manifest it in your thoughts first, without the fear-based backtalk. Just do it.
You are already getting started by looking into shadow work for beginners.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DO SHADOW WORK?
Here are some of the few things that might happen to you when you do shadow work exercises:
1. You find a deeper sense of self.
2. Your perspective on life changes.
3. You acknowledge and uncover deep-rooted emotions from your past.
4. You become more spiritually awakened.
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF SHADOW WORK?
The best way to learn is from experiences. And, how we approach them. Whether they are experiences in our own life or the ones we learn from others.
Allow yourself to feel vulnerable
The power of writing is phenomenal. It allows you to see the thoughts that were actually in your head physically. Visualization is also key.
Here is an experience from one of our writers sharing their stories in a place she now calls – her soul’s journey.
“It’s not easy opening up about where my life has panned out now to where I thought it would be, or could have been ….”
…. I am currently 30 years old (begin able to take inventory of all those years) and have been able to change my views about habits in my life that were not of my highest good. I read more, took time to myself, and went off and explored parts of the world we live in and it was the most exhausting but amazing experience of my life.
We are too hard on only ourselves. Literally! You got this.
Looking back on it now (and will continue to do so as my vessel remains in this plane) I am not wanting to be so hard on myself. You should not be so hard on yourself. We should not be so hard on others as well.
Just keep doing the best you can with what’s around you. We – you, have the power to change how we perceive the world and that’s a beautiful concept for me.
But it’s not all rainbows and glitters in this (itch).
I know, we all go through our own lives battles. Some live their lives precariously. Unstable, uncertain, and most likely to just fall apart from what they chose to do with their own unique circumstance.
To, in my experience with the shadow part coming begin surrounded by the concept of death itself. Everyone has their own unique journey and I am choosing to see mine more from a spiritual perspective and my shadow journey is allowing me to do just that.”
HERE ARE THE 13 SHADOW ARCHETYPES:
1. Egotisical Shadow
2. The Neurotic Shadow
3.The Untrustworthy Shadow
4.The Emotionally Unstable
5. The Controlling
6. The Cynical
7. The Wrathful
8. Intolerant
9. Glib
10. Cold Shoulder
11. The Perverted
12. Cowardly
13. Immature
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SHADOW WORK FOR BEGINNERS
Even though exploring your shadow side may be challenging especially as a beginner, this work and reassurance of yourself can be the most beautiful and transformative direction we can take in our lives.
As you grow more into your soul’s purpose and journey, you feel truly connected to who you are and to other areas of your life.
So if you’d love to learn more about shadow work exercises, shadow work questions, and much more, then explore our blog and sign up for our 2-2-2 newsletter!
