About a month ago, a mysterious book arrived at my doorstep titled “The Shadow Work Journal” by NowDrops LLC. While I have a strong suspicion about its origin, I lack concrete proof. Despite this uncertainty, I’ve delved into the contents of the book, discovering a profound and intricate process that is still relatively new to me.
Exploring the Depths of Self through Shadowwork:
From what I’ve gathered, the concept revolves around the acknowledgment of our shadow—the hidden or rejected aspects of ourselves. This shadow tends to emerge unconsciously in response to various triggers such as social interactions, moments of anxiety, relationships, and periods of sadness. It’s a reservoir of learned behaviors stemming from past painful events or instances where we were told to suppress certain emotions, often using phrases like “stop” or “no.” Consider a childhood scenario where being told to stop crying or laughing becomes a pivotal moment influencing the formation of your shadow. Essentially, the shadow reacts to emotions that we’ve tucked away throughout our lives to conform or assimilate into the world around us.
Our understanding of what is considered good or bad is shaped in our early years, but it’s highly subjective, varying from person to person. For instance, one individual may have been criticized for finishing their plate, while another might have been rewarded with ice cream for the same behavior. The diversity in our early experiences contributes to the unique composition of our shadows.
Shadowwork digs down deep to find what you have tucked away. It will help you understand why you respond to others or certain situations the way you do. It brings awareness to your repressed feelings so that you may catch yourself when reacting in a negative way. It will help you notice negative patterns and help you stop them in their tracks. It is also supposed to help build your self-confidence. Something I lack a lot of.
Carl Jung’s Wisdom on Self-Discovery and Transformation:
Carl Jung aptly articulated the essence of self-discovery when he said, “Unless you learn to face your own shadows, you will continue to see them in others because the world outside of you is only a reflection of the world inside of you.” This profound insight underscores the interconnectedness between our internal struggles and the perceptions we project onto the external world. Jung’s analogy comparing the meeting of two personalities to the contact of two chemical substances further emphasizes the transformative power of interpersonal dynamics. The reactions and interactions between individuals have the potential to bring about mutual transformation.
Recognizing the presence of negative thoughts on a daily basis is a crucial first step, and delving into “shadow work” offers a promising avenue for self-improvement. As Jung asserted, the process of confronting and understanding our shadows can lead to personal growth and the eventual liberation from the grip of these negative thoughts. For those intrigued by the prospect of shadow work, I recommend exploring “The Shadow-Work Journal” as a starting point for this transformative adventure. Engaging in this process may provide valuable insights and contribute to a more profound understanding of oneself.
Doubts and Shadows:
Back to my negative thoughts – this week, I’ve been contemplating whether this website is genuinely making a positive impact. Have I invested money in building it to find it doesn’t really help anyone? Is the website up to par? Are the blogs worth the read? These questions linger as we’ve yet to receive substantial feedback from individuals beyond our usual circle. These uncertainties stem from my inner doubts. I’ve never felt truly successful at anything. Unlike some who seem to turn everything they touch into gold, I feel like everything I touch turns into coal. I recognize I haven’t delved deep enough into shadow work to understand why I harbor these feelings.
The deep-seated belief of not feeling successful or accepted in society, the sense of being a “third wheel,” and the pervasive feeling of not being good enough are powerful emotions that can influence various aspects of life. Exploring these sentiments within the context of shadow work may reveal the origins and dynamics of these feelings, ultimately contributing to personal growth. The recent changes at the new church congregation have triggered thoughts about your impact on the community. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these events are likely unrelated to your presence. The tendency to internalize such occurrences is a common aspect of shadow work, where our own insecurities and fears manifest in external situations.
The decision to engage with these thoughts through the shadow work process is commendable. It takes courage to confront and explore the aspects of ourselves that we may not fully understand. As you navigate this journey, be patient with yourself, and remember that it’s an ongoing process of self-discovery and healing. If you find it challenging to unravel these feelings on your own, seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor can be a supportive and constructive step.
I recommend any book written by Michael Ivanov. He is my favorite author at this point. I love what Michael Ivanov said at the end of Chapter 3 of his book “The Mount of Olives.”
“I will listen diligently to every work my mind tells me, and I will interrupt it. I will judge it with the seriousness I would the most heinous crime. Every Thought that is destructive and speaks against what I seek – Will be cast out as if it were a disease of my mind.
I must silence any evil that comes from my mind as the universe is listening. It is listening and waiting to act with the same force that moves mountains and with the same winds that dash waves onto the rocks. The same breath which taught the sun to burn with violence and the moon to cool the night is waiting for my voice and, until now, I have only robbed myself with my words.
When my mind speaks death, I will speak life, and I will out-yell the words spoken against me until the voice in my mind becomes an unstoppable force, now speaking for me.
Soon, the two voices will speak in unison, and the two will become one again. I will speak life because words spoken set my life in motion.”
Harnessing the Power of Thoughts and Words:
Your reflection on the power of thoughts and words is profound and aligns with the principles of positive thinking, self-empowerment, and the impact of our internal dialogue. The idea that the universe, or God, is always listening underscores the significance of our thoughts and words in shaping our reality. The concept of speaking things into existence, whether positive or negative, is a powerful reminder of the influence our mindset has on our actions and outcomes. The notion that what we repeatedly tell ourselves can become ingrained in our beliefs and affect our behavior speaks to the transformative potential of our thoughts.
Your call to be mindful of our internal narratives and to shut down the shadow—the negative self-talk or doubts—is crucial. Teaching the shadow to speak positively is a powerful metaphor for transforming our inner dialogue and fostering a mindset that aligns with our goals and aspirations. The idea of robbing oneself of happiness by succumbing to negative thoughts resonates with the concept of self-sabotage. Recognizing that we can be our own worst enemy underscores the importance of cultivating self-compassion and adopting a mindset that supports our well-being and personal growth.
The connection you draw between the universe and God and the suggestion that God is always listening adds a spiritual dimension to your reflections. It reinforces the idea that our thoughts and words have a profound impact not only on our internal state but also on the energy we emit into the world. Your closing words, emphasizing the need to speak positive thoughts into the universe to elicit a positive response, carry a message of hope and agency. It encourages individuals to take control of their internal dialogue and consciously choose thoughts that align with a vision of a positive and fulfilling life.
Overall, your reflection provides valuable insights into the transformative power of our thoughts and words, urging readers to be intentional in shaping their internal narratives and fostering a mindset that invites positivity and fulfillment.
In closing, meditate on these verses. See how you respond to them.
Luke 6:45 says: “If your heart and mind are filled with negative thinking, you most likely will voice what is in your heart and mind. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasures of his heart brings forth that which is evil; for out of the abundance of the heart he speaks.”
Romans 12:2 says: “And do not be conformed to this world;Â but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good, acceptable and the perfect will of God.”
Proverbs 23:7 says: “If you give place to negative thoughts, you will eventually become a negative person. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Please do not forget to reach out to us at Rentfreemedia@rent-freeliving.com. We would love to hear your comments and feedback. Maybe you have a story to share. If so, contact us. We would love to listen to it.