Shadow Work
Shadow work is essentially facing, and ultimately releasing or accepting, the parts of us that are in struggle. We all have a shadow side, or shadow self. When we find ourselves reacting from a place of lower vibration, such as in fear, anger or jealousy, we are being shown our own shadow self. Our shadow is the part of us that comes from a place of trauma or lack, and often we prefer to avoid seeing our shadow, as it means feeling our insecurities or pain. Shadow work is being able to recognise our shadow self as a part of us, and integrate or release it, so we are able to live more freely and accept ourselves as complete.
Working with our Shadow Self
In order to step fully into our sovereign power, working with our shadow self is unavoidably part of this process. To completely accept ourselves as whole, to release our fears and insecurities, to love ourselves unconditionally for exactly who we are, means integrating or releasing our shadow, as well as embodying the light. The problem is, that we prefer not to look at our shadow. It is the parts of us we shy away from. The behaviours we have that are less desirable, the feelings we have that show us in a less favourable light.
Ultimately, life will bring our shadow side to the surface, until facing it becomes the only option. The more we avoid our shadow, the more difficult our life can become. Life is a mirror, and our shadow side will be reflected back to us as much as we may see our light. For example, if you are feeling resentment, this is your shadow self being shown to you. What in you is causing you to feel ongoing resentment to a certain situation or individual? What is stopping you from letting them be them, and you freely moving on with your life?
Working with your shadow means bringing it to the surface, fully feeling it, acknowledging it, giving it love, integrating it and allowing it to release. Shadow work is some of the most important self-development work we can do, however it is also the work we tend to avoid, because it means looking at the parts of us we prefer not to exist. Accepting there is a part of us that is stuck in resentment, for example.
Shadow work can be in many forms. Working in the space of your Akashic Records is one way to release and integrate your shadow self. Asking why you are feeling stuck in a particular negative emotion, and being guided through a process of release with a skilled Akashic Records Practitioner, is an example of shadow work. It can feel emotionally challenging, but ultimately the more we can fully see, accept and love the shadow part of us, the more we life our vibration, and are able to expand our light.