The Shadow

The structure of human society is one that has been built over generations, allowing us to thrive and survive into the creations we are today. However, within these basic structures are deep layers and the human race is starting to go through a transformation to release the power within. Our transformation is not one that is easy & I wanted to take the time out to allow a more open conversation on this topic.

The Masks we wear want us to be perfect. The smile to brighten the room, life always moving up (figuratively speaking), good times surrounding us all the time & ofcourse happy, healthy friends and family. We all want this. It is in our human nature to create a wonderful environment for the people around us. Many of us suffer in silence and we are all going through events that move us; they feel so personal yet we understand that we are surely not the only ones in existence to suffer.

The Journey within is by far the hardest battle you will face in your life, make no mistake about it. These ultimately come from many places external which materialise internally. Perhaps its an uneasy childhood which you have not dealt with, a breakup, a traumatic experience or losing a loved one. You need to understand that life will always deliver a degree of suffering, within this lies the drive to create a better world. But there is more to this suffering within us than we may know. Carl Jung called it ‘the shadow’.

The shadow goes by many familiar names: the disowned self, the lower self, the dark twin or brother in bible and myth, the double, repressed self, alter ego, id. When we come face-to-face with our darker side, we use metaphors to describe these shadow encounters: meeting our demons, wrestling with the devil, descent to the underworld, dark night of the soul, midlife crisis.

Although the shadow is an innate part of the human being, the vast majority of us are willfully blind regarding its existence. We hide our negative qualities, not only from others but from ourselves. To do this we often criticize and condemn others to ensure our focus does not fall on our own faults and destructive tendencies. We go through life with a false air of moral superiority and a belief that while others act immorally and destructively, we ourselves are wholly virtuous and always in the right.

When the shadow remains unconscious, it can create havoc in our life. Destroying the very fabric of what we love and hold and we never realise why this may be the case. This is not your fault, we all have a form of emotional repression from our past pain that we have never been educated to deal with. Perhaps its due to the nature of our existence, we take our brains for granted. Our body is not indestructible, realising that we are human, fragile and often lost to many factors we have never considered. The unconscious control which our shadow can exert upon us also accounts for the self destructive behaviors so many individuals struggle with and are unable to control despite consciously knowing they would be better off not engaging in such actions. 

“The psychological rule says that when an inner situation is not made conscious, it happens outside as fate. That is to say, when the individual remains undivided and does not become conscious of his inner opposite, the world must perforce act out the conflict and be torn into opposing halves”

– Carl Jung

I am speaking from personal experience whereby events in my life started unfolding which I blamed on fate, not knowing my own shadow was at play. In a world where we are totally unaware of these facets as ready as the information is, we often don’t have the knowledge or tools to deal with these innate parts of our psyche. Once made aware of the shadow – I was able to understand its capacity for destruction. One of our biggest lessons is to understand that not all the thoughts in your head represent you and who you are. They are merely thoughts, which you can attach yourself to and give meaning.

Remember the shadow is deeply unconscious and parts of it will be creating destruction based on past pain you have not dealt with. Facing the shadow is by no means an easy task , but a test of life. In order to do this we first need conscious awareness that a shadow exists within us, otherwise it will run your life in the form of resentful commentary, egoic actions, addiction, cynical attitudes and even manifest trauma in your life if you are not careful.

Nature is a beautiful creator but also has an innate capacity for destruction. We have been given the power of choice in a universe which exists without time. Don’t take this for granted, understand that to achieve wholeness and peace we must face ourselves in the form of many life challenges. There is always a space within us that should remain untouched, pure – so no matter how deep the shadow gets, we are able to retrieve to that place of peace and allow ourselves to feel comforted.

We are highly distracted in the modern world, constantly on our mobile phones and not really diving deep into the human existence, but rather manipulated and controlled by perceptions of reality. How much do we ever sit with ourselves, when we do initially we are flooded with turbulence. Our brains are trying to compute in ways they have never done before. Addiction is at an all time high due to our dopamine receptors being overloaded. Drug use is rampant and technology has allowed us to become nothing but pawns at times.

Reach out to others, the depths of your soul need it. We all understand our capacity to be fragile and human, so why not share it. That is the true essence of human existence. You are the most powerful person you know, look for love and peace. Not for pleasure at the cost of your soul. To hold yourself and to take time to know yourself is a big task. So don’t be hard on yourself because you do not.

Remember, It is easier to go down a hill than go up. Strive to go up, because the view from the top is definitely better. In our peace we will find our souls and within that space of wholeness, we are complete.

I hope with this information helps you or someone else who may be struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety or more. Meditate, practice gratitude. In our next article we will discuss the benefits of gratitude, love and meditation.