Shadow Work and Microdosing
What is shadow work, anyway?
I've always found the term a little pretentious and esoteric.
And, as it turns out, I had been engaging in deep shadow work for years before I really knew what it was.
In this week's newsletter, we'll cover the basic principles of shadow work—what it is, how to do it, and how to ensure psychological safety if you have trauma, followed by a series of Shadow Work journal prompts to support you.
What is Shadow Work?
"Shadow Work" is a term created by 20th-century psychologist Carl Jung, who specialized in the unconscious mind. It is the process of exploring the parts of yourself that you usually keep hidden, like insecurities, fears, or behaviors you're not proud of.
Our 'shadow' is essentially these unconscious parts of ourselves that we tend to ignore or repress.
When we do this work, we bring these hidden parts to light, helping us better understand ourselves, heal psychological wounds, and live more authentic lives.
Anytime you’ve had a moment of deeper self-awareness, like realizing how certain experiences shape your reactions or uncovering the reasons behind your habits, you’re engaging in shadow work. It’s the process of understanding the underlying emotions, patterns, or beliefs that often operate beneath the surface of your awareness.
Why do we have shadows?
