John Welwood coined the phrase "spiritual bypassing." In his words, it means "spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep personal, emotional 'unfinished business,' to shore up a shaky sense of self, or to belittle basic needs, feelings, and developmental tasks." I sheepishly admit I have done my fair share of spiritual bypassing in my day. It was always with good intentions, I promise. I wanted to focus on all the positive qualities within myself and shut out the rest. I thought it would lead me to be a better version of myself. However, just as the saying goes, "The road to hell is paved on good intentions."
It got to a point where I was living so high vibe that I found myself triggered by all that was opposite of that state. However, the time came when I had to sit with the dissonance growing in my heart. I had to face my shadow. The shadow is the repressed parts of ourselves that tend to show up in other people in present circumstances. However, if someone triggers you, it is not necessarily always your shadow. Regardless of what it is, the key is to explore the possibility that it might be your shadow. To better understand the trigger and what is happening within, inner reflection is required. The other intriguing thing about the shadow is that just like in real life, we don't see our own shadow well, but others around us can often clearly see it.
Exploring the shadow is not for everyone. To do this work, one has to come at the exploration with a sincere yearning to heal. It also requires an immense amount of self-love. Think about it, if all the things you disliked in others potentially represented an aspect of yourself that you are repressing, doing this work will bring up the monsters underneath the bed and hidden in the closet. The work is not pretty, but the gifts it brings are expansion, compassion, and a better understanding of the human condition.
Obstacles to Looking at the Shadow
The obstacles one may encounter when looking at the shadow are many. First and foremost, it can be challenging to admit that we have repressed parts of ourselves that we don't want to face. It can be painful and humbling to come face to face with our flaws, fears, and traumas. We may feel shame, guilt, or even anger towards ourselves for the things we've done or the things we've been through. Furthermore, exploring the shadow can be time-consuming, energy-intensive, and may require professional help. Not everyone has access to therapists or coaches who specialize in shadow work. It can also be costly, and insurance may not cover it.
Benefits of Doing Shadow Work
Despite the obstacles, the benefits of doing shadow work are immense. By bringing our shadow to light, we gain a better understanding of ourselves and our patterns of behavior. We become more compassionate towards ourselves and others. We learn to integrate the repressed parts of ourselves into our conscious lives, leading to a more whole and authentic sense of self. We also gain a sense of agency over our lives, as we no longer feel controlled by our shadow. Moreover, shadow work can lead to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
In ancient times, shadow work was led by shamans, priests, and priestesses. Still, in modern times, we find havens to do shadow work in psychotherapy, with psychologists, psychiatrists, coaches specialized in this art, and therapists. However, despite the availability of resources, there are still some obstacles to doing shadow work.
One of the most significant obstacles is fear. It can be scary to confront the parts of ourselves that we have repressed or denied. Fear of what we might find, fear of judgment from others, and fear of change can all hold us back from doing the work.
Another obstacle is resistance. Our ego is often resistant to change and wants to hold onto the familiar, even if it's not serving us well. Resistance can manifest as procrastination, avoidance, or making excuses for not doing the work.
But despite these obstacles, the benefits of doing shadow work are immense. By facing and integrating our shadow, we can experience greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love. We can become more compassionate and understanding towards ourselves and others, and we can break free from patterns of self-sabotage and destructive behavior.
As Jung said, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Doing shadow work allows us to become conscious of the unconscious and take back control of our lives. It's a powerful and transformative journey that can lead to profound healing and personal growth.
Contemplation:
Have you ever noticed a trait in someone else that really bothers you? Have you considered the possibility that you might actually be repressing a similar quality within yourself?
If this idea is unsettling, take a moment to reflect on how it makes you feel. Are you resistant to the possibility that you possess qualities that you dislike in others?
On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable are you with the idea of acknowledging and accepting traits that are opposite to your current perception of self? Are you open to exploring the shadow aspects of yourself, even if it means facing discomfort and uncertainty?
In conclusion, exploring our shadow is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing. It allows us to integrate the repressed and rejected parts of ourselves, leading to a more complete and authentic version of ourselves. While it can be a challenging journey, it is also one filled with incredible rewards, such as increased self-awareness, self-acceptance, and compassion for others.
If you are interested in delving deeper into your personal growth journey, I invite you to consider booking an Akashic Soul Realignment Reading from my Etsy shop - Akashic Astrology Shop. Through this unique and powerful reading, you can gain clarity and insight into your soul's purpose, past lives, and the blocks that may be holding you back. With this knowledge, you can begin to make empowered choices that align with your highest self and create a life of abundance and joy.
Until next time, stay Curious, dear friend.
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