The Shadow and the Spiritual Path
"The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality, for no one can become conscious of the shadow without considerable moral effort. To become conscious of it involves recognizing the dark aspects of the personality as present and real. This act is an essential condition for any kind of self-knowledge."
Carl Jung
Aion [1951], C9, Part II: P. 14
A vital task on the spiritual path is to 'clean house,' i.e. our psychological 'house.' The greatest gift of the West to spirituality is the study of the psyche and the recognition of shadow, those parts of self which have been denied and repressed. Without shadow work, we run the risk of what has been called 'spiritual by-pass.' Quite often, without it, we believe ourselves to be 'spiritually evolved,' and to have 'transcended' ordinary humanity. But shadow sooner or later, and often repeatedly, surfaces causing havoc in our relationships. Innumerable stories of moral corruption uncovered in spiritual and religious leaders and organizations bare witness!
If we truly seek healing, wholeness, and our own spiritual as well as global evolution, it is incumbent upon us to have a warrior's strength to face our own psyches. Only by taking the fearless journey 'to know the self,' can we be available for clear inspiration and connection with with true wisdom and compassion.
What is the Shadow?
As we strive to grow as human beings, courage is needed to explore parts of psyche we have hidden from ourselves yet which continue to effect our relationships in powerful and subversive ways. Carl Jung coined the term shadow to refer to those characteristics which we have failed to own and which remain outside of consciousness. These traits are most often considered negative, for example: anger and aggression, narcissism, greed and envy. But shadow can also include traits ordinarily viewed as positive. For example, a sex worker might have a nun as part of her shadow.
How do these qualities become Shadow?
It begins with childhood learning. The theory is that whatever was discouraged or considered dangerous in our human nature growing up did not disappear from our psyche. It went into hiding. Psychologically, we hid that impulse away into a mental closet, well out of consciousness. The problem is that though consciously denied, those impulses live, and in fact gain power, form repression itself. Often the only way we recognize them is in other people.
In fact, herein lies the clue to personal shadow. We project out our shadow and see it reflected back in others who display the traits openly. If we are sorely disturbed by another person because of a particular characteristic, chances are we are witnessing our own repressed and rejected part of self.
Imagine you had a violent parent growing up. As a child, your own rage, particularly at the abuse, needed to be repressed. It was a survival mechanism! In fact, the creation of shadow content is mostly perceived as a technique to survive within a family or culture.
Strangely, or so it seems, angry people seem to keep coming into your life well after leaving the family home. What is going on? Shadow theory says you have hidden away your own capacity for anger and thus keep attracting carriers of that energy. The good news is that in owning your own anger, you get access to your own power with, if responsibly handled, is not rage. Anger is a form of fire. Fire can burn down a house, or it I can heat it for the winter. It all depends on how it is managed.
Another example might be a child with a narcissistic parent. She or he learns to repress personal needs for attention, making 'giving' a prominent value. Now as an adult, s/he goes into the nursing profession, but is deeply resentful of 'entitled' patients. Her resentment is a shadow clue. If s/he were to reclaim her narcissism in a healthy way, she would better care for herself and perhaps even contribute more fully by taking positive authority in her profession. S/he wouldn't feel fear or any negative charge to being noticed and s/he could accept gracefully and appropriately attention received from others. This person might even now enjoy the experience of being a well respected leader.
Every trait has a balanced and healthy expression. When it does not see the light of consciousness, it distorts and becomes its own caricature. Anything denied does not die, it negatively expands in the darkness. Our task is to have the courage to open the closet to reveal the 'monsters.' The miracle is that once the light hits them, the opportunity arrives to integrate these qualities in a healthy way. And even more extraordinary, our personal power in fact amplifies with the liberation. It takes a lot of energy to repress these currents of psyche. Opening the door and letting in the light frees up the psyche to more fully express positively. We become more whole, more grounded, more human.
Sherlock Holmes and the Psyche - Ways to reclaim the Shadow
Of utmost importance: begin with a stance of Self Compassion and Neutrality!
Like a scientist, you are on a path of discovery. Recognize that everyone has shadow material and honor yourself for having the courage to look at less than perfect (in the judgment of the ego) parts of your humanity. Trust that through this work you will find greater wisdom and fulfillment.
Ways to pick up clues and uncover shadow include:
1)Think about people who really annoy you. What traits particularly rub you the wrong way? Consider conversations in which you felt particularly triggered.
Conversely, consider people you greatly admire. What is about the person that garners your profound respect?
In each case you might be witnessing a trait you were taught not to express either directly or through observation and experience in your environment.
How could a generally considered positive trait fall into this category?
If you were told you were 'stupid' by your family or peers, while your sibling or parent was designated 'the smart one,' then you might be hiding your own intelligence and be afraid to shine. If you especially admire a minister, priest or rabbi, you many not be owning your own capacity as a spiritual leader or at least, your own connection to spiritual authority and wisdom. The point is not to now disrespect these persons, but to notice a wonderful sign post to your own spiritual center. People project their own higher self and authority onto others all of the time. This is the danger of gurus and organized religion, though it need not be. True gurus teach that they only point to the Guru Within. Spiritual leaders of all faiths should do the same.
2) Another technique is The Movie Method (ScottJeffrey.com). When you watch a film, notice which characters repel you. Note the traits. Is s/he a tyrant, a manipulator, a bully, a bitch? Could these qualities be behind the closed door of your shadow? Is there a part of you that is capable of the same? A strong indicator is the presence of irritation when considering 'the villain.'
Try this as well with whomever you admire in the story. Positive shadow may be lurking.
3) Make a list of your positive qualities. Follow with a list of their opposites. This allows you to notice what you might be defending against in your own nature. An example is the value of 'work.' A shadow trait would be 'laziness.' Perhaps your family valued productivity and achievement and criticized anyone lacking a strong work ethic. Where did the lazy part of you go? Do you notice and judge laziness in others?
Ways to Work with Shadow Material
The goal is healthy integration. The first step is taking responsibility for your shadow. Note how it might destructively impact your relationships with others either through projecting judgment on them for these traits or alternatively, for not owning your own brilliance by having disowned your own 'bright' positive shadow. We best serve when we are confident and unencumbered by low self esteem.
1) When you find yourself triggered by anyone or any event in your outer life, take some time to write about it. What made you so angry, hurt etc.? If you felt judged, how about your own judgment OR even your own lack of judgment? Sometimes the inverse is true. You may be secretly judging others OR you many not be using enough discernment and discrimination! This is an important point. Much that is written about the shadow is one dimensional, i.e., if you experience others' anger then you must secretly be angry. Sometimes this IS true. But another possibility is that you haven't been owing your own power because of your fear of anger.
All of this work is not meant to deflect what indeed might be a threat on the outside. Our shadows tend to find worthy hooks for projection (the person or situation is genuinely threatening). If there is real threat, steps should be taken to insure protection whether psychological and/or physical. Nonetheless, it is possible the very presence of this threat can be used too, as a tool for personal growth.
Shadow is there to help you see something you Need to integrate. For example, if a person is victim to abuse, the 'need' offered by the experience is to retrieve personal empowerment, relinquishing the chains of victimization- at the very least -inwardly, and hopefully outwardly as well.
The paradox and conundrum is that shadow very often appears in a distorted, ugly fashion and thus you feel further repelled from the very trait that is calling for you to notice and integrate! See through the veil and take the challenge!
3) Active Imagination is a Jungian term for dialogue we create in our imagination to gain greater understanding of psychological material. Jung wrote that if a person were to faithfully practice Active Imagination, there would be no need for a therapist! It is that valuable a tool to reflection and greater self-knowledge.
The method is to take up pen and paper (or on computer) to construct a dialogue between the conscious self and the 'other,' whatever or whomever that might be. In this case, you might decide to dialogue with the villain in the movie or the irritating person in your life in order to understand more fully their motives and point of view. Some of the questions you might ask include:
* Why are you doing this to me/ to others?
* What do you want?
*What are you trying to show me?
*What can I learn from you?
Ultimately you will likely discover the character's humanity and even a perspective you could integrate in a healthy, rather than distorted 'evil' fashion.
When using this technique, it is vital that you don't assume these thoughts and motives belong to a 'real' outside 'other.' They might, but they might not. Recognize these revelations as true about how these characters live in your psyche.
4) You can also watch your dreams for shadow material (bad guys, scary monsters etc.) in particular and dialogue with them. Its amazing what can unfold from such an imaginal conversation!
There are many resources available to learn more about Shadow Work. One important contribution is the study of archetypes. It is valuable to become aware of these internal psychic figures in their positive and negative expressions. Neo-Jungian Robert Moore has written a useful exploration into four predominant masculine archetypes and their shadows: Kings, Warriors, Magicians and Lovers. The work of Jean Shinoda Bolen explores a number of feminine and masculine archetypes as seen through the lens of Greek Mythology: Goddesses in Every Woman, and Gods in Every Man. These titles and ones listed below are highly recommended not only for shadow work but also in further understanding various parts of self. We are not monolithic beings but contain many interesting parts or personalities.
The Benefits of Shadow Work
1) Relationships improve.
When you can accept and work with our own darker parts and shades of grey, you become more compassionate towards others' imperfections. You recognize a common humanity and struggle. And you take responsibility for your contribution to disharmony and dissonance in relationships.
2) Greater wholeness, psychological and emotional maturity and integration.
3) Increased energy and available power for manifesting goals and intentions.
4) Better physical health.
Repression depletes energy on all levels.
5) Enhanced creativity.
Mental health and integration contribute to healthy creativity.
6) Better service to our communities and to Humanity.
As each of us becomes more transparent in consciousness, we positively impact the evolution, not only of our immediate communities, but of humanity as a whole.
Famous Quotes
'Unless we do conscious Work on it, the Shadow is almost always projected; that is neatly laid on someone or something else so we do not take responsibility for it.' Robert Johnson
'If any help was going to arrive to lift me out of my misery, it would come from the dark side of my personality.' Robert Bly
Further Resources
Owning Your Own Shadow: Understanding the Dark Side of the Psyche by Robert Johnson
Meeting the Shadow, The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature, edited by Connie Sweig and Jeremiah Abrams
A Little Book on the Human Shadow, by Robert Bly
How to be an Adult, by David Richo (This is a wonderful book especially in regards to relationships. First entitled Letting the Light Through when self published by David Richo, it has been retitled by Harper and Row.
Integral Life Practice, by Ken Wilber et al. Includes an excellent chapter on working with shadow.
"The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality, for no one can become conscious of the shadow without considerable moral effort. To become conscious of it involves recognizing the dark aspects of the personality as present and real. This act is an essential condition for any kind of self-knowledge."
Carl Jung
Aion [1951], C9, Part II: P. 14
A vital task on the spiritual path is to 'clean house,' i.e. our psychological 'house.' The greatest gift of the West to spirituality is the study of the psyche and the recognition of shadow, those parts of self which have been denied and repressed. Without shadow work, we run the risk of what has been called 'spiritual by-pass.' Quite often, without it, we believe ourselves to be 'spiritually evolved,' and to have 'transcended' ordinary humanity. But shadow sooner or later, and often repeatedly, surfaces causing havoc in our relationships. Innumerable stories of moral corruption uncovered in spiritual and religious leaders and organizations bare witness!
If we truly seek healing, wholeness, and our own spiritual as well as global evolution, it is incumbent upon us to have a warrior's strength to face our own psyches. Only by taking the fearless journey 'to know the self,' can we be available for clear inspiration and connection with with true wisdom and compassion.
What is the Shadow?
As we strive to grow as human beings, courage is needed to explore parts of psyche we have hidden from ourselves yet which continue to effect our relationships in powerful and subversive ways. Carl Jung coined the term shadow to refer to those characteristics which we have failed to own and which remain outside of consciousness. These traits are most often considered negative, for example: anger and aggression, narcissism, greed and envy. But shadow can also include traits ordinarily viewed as positive. For example, a sex worker might have a nun as part of her shadow.
How do these qualities become Shadow?
It begins with childhood learning. The theory is that whatever was discouraged or considered dangerous in our human nature growing up did not disappear from our psyche. It went into hiding. Psychologically, we hid that impulse away into a mental closet, well out of consciousness. The problem is that though consciously denied, those impulses live, and in fact gain power, form repression itself. Often the only way we recognize them is in other people.
In fact, herein lies the clue to personal shadow. We project out our shadow and see it reflected back in others who display the traits openly. If we are sorely disturbed by another person because of a particular characteristic, chances are we are witnessing our own repressed and rejected part of self.
Imagine you had a violent parent growing up. As a child, your own rage, particularly at the abuse, needed to be repressed. It was a survival mechanism! In fact, the creation of shadow content is mostly perceived as a technique to survive within a family or culture.
Strangely, or so it seems, angry people seem to keep coming into your life well after leaving the family home. What is going on? Shadow theory says you have hidden away your own capacity for anger and thus keep attracting carriers of that energy. The good news is that in owning your own anger, you get access to your own power with, if responsibly handled, is not rage. Anger is a form of fire. Fire can burn down a house, or it I can heat it for the winter. It all depends on how it is managed.
Another example might be a child with a narcissistic parent. She or he learns to repress personal needs for attention, making 'giving' a prominent value. Now as an adult, s/he goes into the nursing profession, but is deeply resentful of 'entitled' patients. Her resentment is a shadow clue. If s/he were to reclaim her narcissism in a healthy way, she would better care for herself and perhaps even contribute more fully by taking positive authority in her profession. S/he wouldn't feel fear or any negative charge to being noticed and s/he could accept gracefully and appropriately attention received from others. This person might even now enjoy the experience of being a well respected leader.
Every trait has a balanced and healthy expression. When it does not see the light of consciousness, it distorts and becomes its own caricature. Anything denied does not die, it negatively expands in the darkness. Our task is to have the courage to open the closet to reveal the 'monsters.' The miracle is that once the light hits them, the opportunity arrives to integrate these qualities in a healthy way. And even more extraordinary, our personal power in fact amplifies with the liberation. It takes a lot of energy to repress these currents of psyche. Opening the door and letting in the light frees up the psyche to more fully express positively. We become more whole, more grounded, more human.
Sherlock Holmes and the Psyche - Ways to reclaim the Shadow
Of utmost importance: begin with a stance of Self Compassion and Neutrality!
Like a scientist, you are on a path of discovery. Recognize that everyone has shadow material and honor yourself for having the courage to look at less than perfect (in the judgment of the ego) parts of your humanity. Trust that through this work you will find greater wisdom and fulfillment.
Ways to pick up clues and uncover shadow include:
1)Think about people who really annoy you. What traits particularly rub you the wrong way? Consider conversations in which you felt particularly triggered.
Conversely, consider people you greatly admire. What is about the person that garners your profound respect?
In each case you might be witnessing a trait you were taught not to express either directly or through observation and experience in your environment.
How could a generally considered positive trait fall into this category?
If you were told you were 'stupid' by your family or peers, while your sibling or parent was designated 'the smart one,' then you might be hiding your own intelligence and be afraid to shine. If you especially admire a minister, priest or rabbi, you many not be owning your own capacity as a spiritual leader or at least, your own connection to spiritual authority and wisdom. The point is not to now disrespect these persons, but to notice a wonderful sign post to your own spiritual center. People project their own higher self and authority onto others all of the time. This is the danger of gurus and organized religion, though it need not be. True gurus teach that they only point to the Guru Within. Spiritual leaders of all faiths should do the same.
2) Another technique is The Movie Method (ScottJeffrey.com). When you watch a film, notice which characters repel you. Note the traits. Is s/he a tyrant, a manipulator, a bully, a bitch? Could these qualities be behind the closed door of your shadow? Is there a part of you that is capable of the same? A strong indicator is the presence of irritation when considering 'the villain.'
Try this as well with whomever you admire in the story. Positive shadow may be lurking.
3) Make a list of your positive qualities. Follow with a list of their opposites. This allows you to notice what you might be defending against in your own nature. An example is the value of 'work.' A shadow trait would be 'laziness.' Perhaps your family valued productivity and achievement and criticized anyone lacking a strong work ethic. Where did the lazy part of you go? Do you notice and judge laziness in others?
Ways to Work with Shadow Material
The goal is healthy integration. The first step is taking responsibility for your shadow. Note how it might destructively impact your relationships with others either through projecting judgment on them for these traits or alternatively, for not owning your own brilliance by having disowned your own 'bright' positive shadow. We best serve when we are confident and unencumbered by low self esteem.
1) When you find yourself triggered by anyone or any event in your outer life, take some time to write about it. What made you so angry, hurt etc.? If you felt judged, how about your own judgment OR even your own lack of judgment? Sometimes the inverse is true. You may be secretly judging others OR you many not be using enough discernment and discrimination! This is an important point. Much that is written about the shadow is one dimensional, i.e., if you experience others' anger then you must secretly be angry. Sometimes this IS true. But another possibility is that you haven't been owing your own power because of your fear of anger.
All of this work is not meant to deflect what indeed might be a threat on the outside. Our shadows tend to find worthy hooks for projection (the person or situation is genuinely threatening). If there is real threat, steps should be taken to insure protection whether psychological and/or physical. Nonetheless, it is possible the very presence of this threat can be used too, as a tool for personal growth.
Shadow is there to help you see something you Need to integrate. For example, if a person is victim to abuse, the 'need' offered by the experience is to retrieve personal empowerment, relinquishing the chains of victimization- at the very least -inwardly, and hopefully outwardly as well.
The paradox and conundrum is that shadow very often appears in a distorted, ugly fashion and thus you feel further repelled from the very trait that is calling for you to notice and integrate! See through the veil and take the challenge!
3) Active Imagination is a Jungian term for dialogue we create in our imagination to gain greater understanding of psychological material. Jung wrote that if a person were to faithfully practice Active Imagination, there would be no need for a therapist! It is that valuable a tool to reflection and greater self-knowledge.
The method is to take up pen and paper (or on computer) to construct a dialogue between the conscious self and the 'other,' whatever or whomever that might be. In this case, you might decide to dialogue with the villain in the movie or the irritating person in your life in order to understand more fully their motives and point of view. Some of the questions you might ask include:
* Why are you doing this to me/ to others?
* What do you want?
*What are you trying to show me?
*What can I learn from you?
Ultimately you will likely discover the character's humanity and even a perspective you could integrate in a healthy, rather than distorted 'evil' fashion.
When using this technique, it is vital that you don't assume these thoughts and motives belong to a 'real' outside 'other.' They might, but they might not. Recognize these revelations as true about how these characters live in your psyche.
4) You can also watch your dreams for shadow material (bad guys, scary monsters etc.) in particular and dialogue with them. Its amazing what can unfold from such an imaginal conversation!
There are many resources available to learn more about Shadow Work. One important contribution is the study of archetypes. It is valuable to become aware of these internal psychic figures in their positive and negative expressions. Neo-Jungian Robert Moore has written a useful exploration into four predominant masculine archetypes and their shadows: Kings, Warriors, Magicians and Lovers. The work of Jean Shinoda Bolen explores a number of feminine and masculine archetypes as seen through the lens of Greek Mythology: Goddesses in Every Woman, and Gods in Every Man. These titles and ones listed below are highly recommended not only for shadow work but also in further understanding various parts of self. We are not monolithic beings but contain many interesting parts or personalities.
The Benefits of Shadow Work
1) Relationships improve.
When you can accept and work with our own darker parts and shades of grey, you become more compassionate towards others' imperfections. You recognize a common humanity and struggle. And you take responsibility for your contribution to disharmony and dissonance in relationships.
2) Greater wholeness, psychological and emotional maturity and integration.
3) Increased energy and available power for manifesting goals and intentions.
4) Better physical health.
Repression depletes energy on all levels.
5) Enhanced creativity.
Mental health and integration contribute to healthy creativity.
6) Better service to our communities and to Humanity.
As each of us becomes more transparent in consciousness, we positively impact the evolution, not only of our immediate communities, but of humanity as a whole.
Famous Quotes
'Unless we do conscious Work on it, the Shadow is almost always projected; that is neatly laid on someone or something else so we do not take responsibility for it.' Robert Johnson
'If any help was going to arrive to lift me out of my misery, it would come from the dark side of my personality.' Robert Bly
Further Resources
Owning Your Own Shadow: Understanding the Dark Side of the Psyche by Robert Johnson
Meeting the Shadow, The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature, edited by Connie Sweig and Jeremiah Abrams
A Little Book on the Human Shadow, by Robert Bly
How to be an Adult, by David Richo (This is a wonderful book especially in regards to relationships. First entitled Letting the Light Through when self published by David Richo, it has been retitled by Harper and Row.
Integral Life Practice, by Ken Wilber et al. Includes an excellent chapter on working with shadow.