We all have aspects of ourselves that we tend to suppress or avoid, the parts of our personality that we may deem unworthy or uncomfortable. These parts are often referred to as our “shadow selves.” The term was introduced by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, who believed that the shadow represents the unconscious or repressed parts of our psyche. These hidden aspects often contain unresolved emotions, fears, and past experiences that can influence our behavior without us even realizing it. However, by embracing and integrating these parts, we can experience profound healing, personal growth, and transformation.
In my own journey, shadow work has become a powerful tool for understanding myself more deeply, healing past wounds, and stepping into a more authentic version of who I am. It’s a process that requires self-compassion, courage, and a willingness to explore the darker corners of our being.
Roxanne’s Journey with Shadow Work
My own path to shadow work started after a personal tragedy—losing my husband while pregnant with my first child. At that time, grief, fear, and an overwhelming sense of loss consumed me. For a long while, I couldn’t escape the deep sorrow and emotional turmoil that came with navigating my new life. I struggled to make sense of the pain, and as much as I wanted to push it away, I couldn’t. This pain forced me to face my shadow—emotions I had long buried, fears I hadn’t acknowledged, and insecurities that had been hidden beneath the surface for years.
Through this darkness, I turned to my spirituality for comfort and guidance. I began to dive deeper into my own spiritual practices, revisiting the teachings I had learned from my lineage of Curanderas (Mexican Shamanic Healers). I learned that by confronting my shadow, I could heal and transform the parts of myself that had been broken.
It was a painful process, but it led me to a deep sense of peace and inner strength. I began to understand that my shadow wasn’t something to be feared or ashamed of—it was a part of me that needed love, acceptance, and healing. This revelation empowered me to rebuild my life, reconnect with my gifts, and eventually find my way to Harry, where together we created Purple Door Alchemy.
What is Shadow Work?
Shadow work is the process of exploring and integrating the hidden, unconscious parts of ourselves. These can include repressed emotions, past trauma, unhealed wounds, and the aspects of our personality we may reject or ignore. The goal of shadow work isn’t to eliminate these parts of ourselves, but to embrace and understand them.
When we face our shadow, we acknowledge the parts of us that we’ve kept in the dark. In doing so, we can bring them into the light of consciousness, where they no longer have the power to control or sabotage us. By integrating these shadow aspects, we can heal emotional wounds, let go of limiting beliefs, and reclaim our personal power.
How to Start Your Shadow Work Journey
Starting shadow work can feel intimidating, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few steps to guide you through this process:
1. Acknowledge Your Shadow
The first step in shadow work is simply acknowledging that you have a shadow self. This means recognizing that we all have parts of ourselves we’ve hidden away—whether it’s anger, insecurity, guilt, or shame. Understanding that these parts are normal and human is the key to starting the healing process.
2. Examine Your Triggers
One of the most effective ways to uncover your shadow is by paying attention to your triggers. When something or someone causes a strong emotional reaction in you—whether it’s anger, jealousy, or fear—ask yourself why it’s affecting you so deeply. These reactions often stem from unresolved issues or unhealed wounds. By examining these triggers, you can begin to uncover the hidden parts of your shadow that need healing.
3. Journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool for shadow work. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help you process emotions that may be difficult to face. Start by asking yourself questions like, “What part of me am I afraid to acknowledge?” or “What emotions am I avoiding?” As you write, allow yourself to explore your deepest feelings without judgment.
4. Meditation and Visualization
Meditation is another helpful technique for shadow work. Sitting in stillness, you can ask yourself to visualize your shadow self—this might appear as a figure, an energy, or an emotion. Allow yourself to connect with this part of yourself and ask what it needs in order to heal. Visualization techniques can help you transform these dark aspects into light, integrating them into your whole being.
5. Self-Compassion
Shadow work can be emotional and challenging, and it’s important to practice self-compassion throughout the process. It’s natural to feel resistance or discomfort as you confront parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding. Be gentle with yourself and allow space for healing. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but rather embracing all parts of yourself with love and acceptance.
Techniques to Deepen Your Shadow Work
• Affirmations: Use affirmations to reprogram your subconscious mind. Affirmations like “I embrace all parts of myself,” or “I am worthy of love and healing,” can help shift your mindset and encourage self-acceptance.
• Tarot and Oracle Cards: Using tarot or oracle cards to explore your shadow can offer insight into unconscious thoughts and patterns. Look for cards that reflect areas of your life where you feel blocked or uncertain.
• Energy Healing: Techniques like Reiki, sound healing, or crystal healing can support your shadow work by clearing negative energy and helping you process emotions more deeply. Crystals like Black Obsidian, Smoky Quartz, and Amethyst can be particularly helpful in grounding and protecting during this process.
The Transformation of Shadow Work
Shadow work isn’t a quick fix, but a continuous journey of healing and self-discovery. As you begin to embrace your shadow, you’ll find that you not only release old wounds but also uncover hidden strengths, talents, and gifts that were once buried. It’s a powerful way to reclaim your personal power and move toward living an authentic, fulfilled life.
For me, shadow work has been transformative. It allowed me to heal my grief, release past fears, and become the person I was always meant to be. It’s a process that is still unfolding, but one that has deeply shaped who I am today. Through this work, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose and connection, which ultimately led me to create Purple Door Alchemy—a space where others can find healing, guidance, and transformation as well.
Remember, the shadow is not something to fear or avoid. It’s a part of you, waiting to be integrated, healed, and understood. Embrace the darkness, and in doing so, you will invite more light into your life.
Brightest Blessings,
Roxanne