Jungian Psychology
Over the course of this file I will be exploring the Jungian concept of the shadow self, or the unconscious self that has been repressed due to learned ideals. I believe learning to reconcile with these unconscious parts of yourself can lead to greater internal peace and self-compassion. As someone who has struggled with mental health for the majority of their life, internal peace is something I place high value on.
The Shadow Self
This is an emotional blindspot. The shadow self tends to contain behaviours and attitudes that the ego's ideal would prefer to not acknowledge or integrate with. These can be picked up from caregivers at home or in the world (such as school). A good portion of these may have been picked up unconsciously in childhood.
My own shadow traits tend to pop up more when I'm ignoring this side of myself. The repression fuels the unhealthy expression of these traits. Ie, if I have trouble with finances due to impulsiveness, and I pretend I am actually competent with finances to satisfy my own ego, then my impulsiveness rises and wreaks more havoc on my finances. This leads to feelings of shame, which leads me to need to satisfy my ego again....and the cycle continues.
It may seem naive or backwards to lie to yourself to satisfy your ego, but I believe it's a relatively common practice. I don't believe it's intentional, either - just a defense mechanism that we should be aware of, if we're striving to heal.
Acknowledging and integrating these shadow traits can be a challenging but important process. It requires self-reflection, self-compassion, and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves. By bringing these hidden aspects into our conscious awareness, we can begin to understand their origins and work towards healing and growth.
It's crucial to remember that these shadow traits are not inherently negative or evil. They are simply parts of ourselves that have been suppressed or rejected. By embracing our whole selves, including the shadow, we can cultivate greater self-acceptance and authenticity.
Working with a therapist or engaging in practices such as journaling, meditation, or inner dialogue can be helpful in exploring and integrating our shadow aspects. It's also important to have a supportive network of friends or loved ones who can provide understanding and non-judgmental support throughout this process.
Ultimately, by shining light on our emotional blindspots and integrating our shadow selves, we can move towards a more balanced and integrated sense of self. This allows for greater emotional well-being, healthier relationships, and personal growth.
Further reading:
Shadow Work Inventory Questionnaire
Psychic Apparatus
The Self