What is Your Shadow Self?
Simply put, your "Shadow" is a part of you that has in some way been deemed unacceptable (to yourself or society), and is therefore, hidden from view. Usually, this happens when we notice, are told, or experience in some way that certain aspects of who we are, are not or will not be appreciated or even welcomed. These parts of us, begin to register as threats to belonging... in a family system, with peers, in organizations, or even in the larger society.
The Mask
In order to fit in, to be loved, to avoid being abandoned, humiliated, neglected, or rejected, we consciously or unconsciously hide what we fear in ourselves will bring unwanted results in our interactions with the world.
We change.
The Costume
These can be several small, seemingly insignificant changes, or massive omissions of our true selves. We begin to curate how we are seen, making sure to only show what we believe will be acceptable. Over time, we may even forget that we adapted at all.
In the name of self preservation, we get smaller. Contort ourselves to fit molds not meant for us. Quiet our inner truth. Search for validation of belonging with those who don't know who we really are on the inside.
Behind the mask...
Through my shadow work with clients, I've found seven big desires hiding behind our masks.
We truly want...
To belong.
To be ourselves.
To be known: seen, heard, and understood.
To be loved unconditionally.
To believe what we believe.
To feel what we feel.
To be safe.
Beyond the Costume
What we once relegated to the sidelines of our lives, are the remnants of our true selves.
In doing shadow work, we consciously connect to these aspects of ourselves, welcoming them to show up in our lives again.
What I've found in doing shadow work with others, is that often the parts of us that we've been hiding, are the boldest, bravest, funniest, most confident, most honest, most genuine aspects of who we are. When a shadow is integrated, there is an easy authenticity and a deep inner knowing that settles in. The person becomes more of who they truly are.
Be You
These hidden aspects of you are just waiting to be seen, to be heard, to be loved... by you.
Although it feels safe is many ways to blend in, you are not meant to be just like everyone else. Denying the parts of you that are different from others, that you're ashamed of, or are seemingly unacceptable, means the world is missing out on all of who you are... and no one outside of you, can tell you who that is.
That denial of self also means the world is missing out on all the things you came here to do... and if you don't, who will?
I encourage you to do everything in your power to fully live the life you intended to live when you showed up on this planet. After all, you are the only one who can.
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Interested in doing some Shadow Work of your own? I'd love to be your guide! You can book an individual session with me anytime or check out this list of programs to see if I'm currently offering my annual group shadow work series, Bringing Your Shadow to Light.
Angela Hed Vincent (she/her), owner of True You Tapping, is an EFT Master Practitioner and Energy Medicine Practitioner.
She helps her clients honor and release emotional trauma and energetic density, using their biggest challenges as catalysts for transformation, so they can more fully embody the truth of who they are and the unique purposes they are here to fulfill.
Interested in working with Angela? You can book a one-on-one session or schedule a free check-in to chat about an issue you'd like to get her eyes on.
Angela introduces something new to the world of wellness and transformation. She has developed a unique approach to burnout recovery and intuitive development, and continues to create innovative programs to help people find their balance in various aspects of life.
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