Carl Jung wrote and coined that our shadow is that part of our personality which is unconscious, that we try to hide from ourself because we believe it does not align with the ideal standard that we want to show the world in our quest to offer evidence of the best version of ourself. What long ago interested me was Jung’s theory that the shadow is the seat of creativity. Until we delve into “shadow work” we will more than likely project our unexplored subconscious upon others into the land of judging “them” as demonstrating unacceptable behaviors ..behaviors that in reality are those ideas and traits that we try to bury in a quicksand of hidden aspects of our very own darkness.
I personally have a history of childhood traumatic experiences that created extreme challenges in coming to terms with shame, guilt, fear, and constant self doubting behaviors. I thought if I ran and hid from my emotions using various addictions, wearing false masks of illusions, and the illusion I was in control that I was being more authentic. I was afraid to show the world the aspects of myself which I held the belief were taboo and inappropriate. What I was doing was imprisoning my creativity!
Once I befriended my shadow not only did I allow my creativity to emerge but I also began to heal my broken internal self and my heart opened not only to the outside world, but most importantly to myself! As I walked my journey on the path to getting closer to mastery some amazing revelations showed up. I saw gradually but more completely the Light within me that when radiating out into the world I was living my dream of being the unique person I only dared to believe actually existed.
Some examples you may resonate with of your own shadow: Self-Centered Shadow (excessive pride, arrogance with root cause of not being good enough); Deviant Shadow (Suspiciousness, Obsessive rooted in a need and desire to gain control) Controlling Shadow (Jealous, bossy, Possessive rooted in fear of abandonment); Detached Shadow (Emotionally distant, Lacking compassion rooted in unresolved grief sandwiched in shame).
If you are curious as to how to possibly embrace your shadow some ideas are: * Notice and observe patterns that keep showing up in your life (often in relationships of partnerships, friendships, supervisors, co-workers). The more willing you are to your patterns (which I strongly recommend in writing out an inventory and self witnessing of) the greater the reveal will be of how your shadow aspect is influencing parts of your life. * As you become your own witness and conscientious observer of your shadow see it without judging yourself or your emotions in a negative way
**** Shadow work with a licensed professional is extremely crucial because of the deep inner work you are working through***
Ways to tap into your creativity as you dive into Shadow Work:
-When your inner critic (in my case it was my inner Mother-critic who kept popping in until I learned how to use creativity as a solution) is showing up, use journaling to record what that inner critic is loudly voicing to you and challenge that sucker! Embrace the critic and create new affirmative statements and put them on sticky notes or make a vision board called “Creative Truths”.
-Regardless if you think you are not artistic, draw/paint/write/drum/create any form of music that will spark your creativity. This has significant impact to enter your unconscious mind, creating fresh perspectives.
-Be a proverbial “Cliff-Jumper” by trying new methods or ways you have never tried before and acknowledge through your shadow why you are holding onto the fear (maybe with claw marks before you surrender!) of why you are afraid to take risks.
Shadow work can be the key to unlock your creativity that you did not even know you had locked away…a key of inspirational tools of innovative, fresh ideas paving your road to authenticity and revealing to your inner self just how amazing you truly are. Shine that light on your shadow and integrate all of yourself !!
The shadow is the seat of creativity- Carl Jung
Jaguarwind 