We’re finding ourselves in incredibly trying times right now as we witness old systems breaking down and horrific aspects of humanity being exposed on a wider scale. What we are experiencing together in real time is the exposure of the collective shadow.
Overwhelm is a completely natural response to this. These times are asking us to shine a light on the Shadow – both our own personal shadow and the collective shadow of society. We were not designed to take in so much of the collective shadow at once... And, our nervous systems need our diligence and care when we do.
What exactly is the shadow? It’s a Jungian psychological term that describes the hidden or repressed parts of the self or a group. Shadow Work is the practice of bringing awareness to those unacceptable parts and then integrating them, or loving them back into place. Integration is essential for wholeness.
When we aren’t aware of our shadow, we project the things we despise about ourselves onto others. When groups and nations aren’t aware of their collective shadows, it fuels prejudice, starts wars and genocides, and perpetuates unthinkable violence and oppression. Which is what we’re seeing right now in the collective.
So what do we do in times like these?
First and foremost, we need to be resourced. This means having supportive practices in place for grounding and bringing ease to our nervous system. From there, we can bring loving awareness to our shadowy parts through inquiry and exploration.
Let’s be honest; this doesn’t always feel like easy work.
There are times when we might vacillate between turning away altogether and getting sucked into the rabbit hole, getting caught in cycles of numbing out and total despair.
It’s important that we don’t get pulled down by the collective shadow or fall into despair.
We also don’t want to run away or close our eyes either.
Our willingness to see clearly is the most powerful step in healing.
By the way, witnessing the shadow does not excuse behavior. We cannot heal or fix or make amends for what we cannot see. And we cannot bring justice to the actions or systems we’re unwilling to name.
Practices for Inner Resourcing
(from Wisdom of Wholeness: Shadow Work Journal)
It’s helpful to have tools for grounding and resourcing when we feel stretched or need additional support.
- Head outside for some air, and allow space for a change in energy.
- Take a walk. This can be in nature or around a neighborhood. Focus on the sensations of your feet touching the ground.
- Put on a favorite (or random) song. Dance, move, or shake your body.
- Soak in some water. Whether a tub with bath salts and your favorite essential oils, or your feet in some wild waters outside. Alternately, wash your hands or take a shower. The energy of water recharges us.
- Sit at the base of a tree and feel the trunk supporting your back. Take a few deep breaths and feel your interconnection with the natural world. (You can also give the tree a big hug and feel its energy!)
- Hum or sing to tone and settle the nervous system. You may wish to place your palm on your chest over your heart to feel the vibrations.
- Snuggle up and get cozy. Cuddle up with a pillow and blankets, or with a cherished pet or trusted human.
If you need help with shadow work or just some extra tools to support you right now, you can get instant access to our free Shadow Work Guidebook.
In it, you will find:
- An introduction to Shadow Work
- Prompts and insights for fortifying Boundaries
- Beautiful full-page art from the Wisdom of the Shadow Oracle
- Shadow Work Journal Prompts
- Ritual Guidance
- Affirmations and Quotes
- & more…
Click here to get the FREE Guidebook + Journal Prompts
Stay resourced, keep your eyes and heart open as you’re able. Be sure to clear, ground, and resource yourself. This is a pivotal time of global transformation that we’ll get through together.
