Wisdom from the Shadows

The challenge many of us face is that we live in a culture that avoids acknowledging uncomfortable feelings. There is a perception that admitting to our feelings, especially the ones that concede we just might be vulnerable (sadness, loneliness, shame, guilt, despair, jealousy, etc.) is an admission of weakness – that we just might be damaged.

We can’t fix what we don’t know or understand, however. And when we try to push unwelcomed emotions underground they frequently re-emerge with a vengeance. Carl Jung said, “What we resist, persists.”

Most people know I have an interest in ancient mythology. These stories still persist because they hold kernels of truth and relevancy even for our contemporary times. One such myth is about the Goddess Hecate. She is the Greek Goddess of the Underworld and functions as the Guardian of the Souls, guiding them back and forth to the underworld. In the transpersonal psychology community, the underworld is a metaphor for the sub-conscious – that shadowy inner realm where our deepest thoughts, feelings, fears, and self-doubts reside. No one, not even the most accomplished and consciously aware among us, is exempt from inhabiting this realm from time to time … for there are always more layers of the psyche to uncover.

Often I function as a modern day Hecate guiding my clients as they explore the shadowy realm of their inner beliefs, negative thoughts, and fears. I help my clients dig deep to uncover the core issues keeping them from the life they want and deserve, finding wisdom from the shadows. Together we can find ways to reframe, release, or heal those old beliefs so they can experience more joy and success.

Frequently these old beliefs are residues from childhood memories. When I was child there were many times when I felt helpless, ineffective, scared and vulnerable. Painful or disturbing memories are not uncommon. If these old memories from childhood aren’t healed, they can be re-triggered as an adult showing up as fears, doubts and insecurities. They lurk in the shadows of our subconscious and literally hold us back from having the life we want and deserve today.

Work with the shadow realms of the subconscious is challenging. Yet it can also be extremely enlightening and liberating. This is especially true when we learn to have compassion for our younger self who IN THE PAST may have been vulnerable. By doing the inner work we are better equipped to deal with workplace or relationship challenges that face us as adults.

One effective way to deal with our old insecurities is with positive self-talk. By reminding ourselves that TODAY we are stronger, more knowledgeable and experienced, and have many more skills and problem-solving abilities than we did when we were younger, then we can face life’s challenges with much greater confidence and self-assurance.

Wrestling with the shadow does not need to be a lot of hard work and struggle. In my upcoming workshop that begins on October 10, 2015, Sacred Sexuality, the Shadow, and Loving Relationships, you will have an opportunity to befriend and heal your shadow in a comfortable, caring, supportive environment within a circle of like-minded fellow seekers on the journey to self-fulfillment. Please join us.

Click HERE for more information and to register

Sacred Sexuality, the Shadow and Loving Relationships is part of the curriculum for Persephone’s Journey, a Wisdom School for Awakening Women.