Illuminating the Shadow

“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”

-Carl Jung

We all have parts of ourselves that we keep hidden “in the closet”. We hide them because a person, group, or society judged or judges them to be unacceptable. We then internalize the judgement. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, called these parts of our personality the shadow. The dark side of us that is unconscious, that we have disowned and is bound by shame.

The shadow also exists in communities and nations. We have seen the shadow making itself known in the United States. Hate, racism, xenophobia, greed, blatant criminality, pathological lying and brutality, no longer hidden, are unabashedly displayed daily on our screens.

The shadow is not only limited to what we deem morally unacceptable. For bullies, the shadow is vulnerability, helplessness, and loss of power. These qualities along with compassion and kindness represent weakness. They are fiercely rejected and met with condemnation and distain.

For those of us that are spiritual seekers, the shadow can be anything that we consider to be of a “low vibration”. This can include rage, anger, sadness, grief, shame, jealousy, or envy. Rather than fully experiencing these feelings we take the “high road” and do what is called a “spiritual bypass”. We view these feelings and those who have hurt us as “unspiritual”. We “rise above” our humanity and our fellow humans. The spiritual ego seductively whispers in our ear that we are more evolved.

In her book, Goldmining the Shadows, Pixie Lighthorse writes, “Our shadows are frightened inner children afraid of rejection and recrimination.” The shadow reflects the inner child’s unresolved emotional wounds and the shame connected to these wounds. Engaging in shadow work does not mean that we overcome these wounds. Instead we lovingly tend to them, make sense of them, and integrate them.

Awareness is essential for illuminating the shadow. It is the light that brings to consciousness the “injured one” who lives within the dark recesses of the bodymind. The one who guards against assault and operates behind the scenes and often drives our unhealthy behaviors.

Acknowledging our injuries, recognizing our inner child’s innocence, and welcoming the rejected Self with acceptance and compassion are all necessary for integration. This is the work that each of is being called to do. This is the work of love.

Admiring my shadow while out for a walk on a beautiful fall afternoon.