Shadow Work on Sage the House Down: A Healing Pod
I’m always so honored when I’m contacted to appear on a podcast and talk to someone about my writing. And even more so when the hosts seems so authentic and genuine in their interest. In our recent interview we talked all things shadow work and The Shadow Work Workbook.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to join hosts Paige and William on their Amazon Audible podcast called Sage the House Down: A Healing Pod. We had a lively, and lovely, time. It was one of my favorite appearances to date, and when you get a dose of the energy of Paige and William you’ll understand why.
You can listen to the full episode below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
What is Shadow Work?
Shadow work is the process of making the unconscious conscious. It was coined by Carl Jung to help promote internal self-awareness and acceptance.
Shadow work is the process of making the unconscious conscious. It was coined by Carl Jung to help promote internal self-awareness and acceptance.
Carl Jung was a psychiatrist and analyst, and generally a frenemy of Sigmund Freud (especially in the later years as their theories on the human mind diverged even further). Through his studies and observation of psychology he developed a comprehensive theory about the human psyche, which included what he called the shadow.
In depth/analytical psychology, the shadow self refers to the parts of ourselves that generally fall outside of our daily consciousness. To put it simply, when we’re out living - and focusing on the things that most readily require our attention- there are repressed, and even dark, parts of ourselves that continue to operate in the background. Sometimes that can look like deep anger, hurt related to trauma history, the desire for revenge, low self-worth, etc.
If unchecked things in this hidden part of the psyche can be incredibly disruptive. For a lot of people this can look like an inner saboteur.
Through strategies like dream analysis, introspection, symbol analysis and meaning-making you can learn more about the hidden parts that “leak out” at times in an attempt to make themselves known. The process of shadow involves the work of analyzing those reflections and working to integrate otherwise undesirable thoughts, feelings and experiences into the fuller parts of ourselves. In doing so, you limit the power of that inner saboteur as you practice life with less shame, guilt and hiding from yourself.
Ultimately, it is the compassion, self-acceptance and wholeness that shadow work seeks to help you with.
If you are trying to learn more about yourself, and want to practice loving on the most seemingly unlovable parts, then shadow work may be for you.
You can purchase a copy of my book The Shadow Work Workbook at this link.
The Shadow Work Workbook Celebrates 6 Months in Stores
My first book, The Shadow Work Workbook, celebrates over 6 month since publication!
As I’m writing this post, my first book The Shadow Work Workbook celebrates over 6 month since publication!
Writing a book is an extremely vulnerable position to put yourself in whether you’re in the business of sharing personal stories via memoir or guiding people through the self-help and nonfiction genres. While these formats aren’t created equal in this respect (memoirs are among the most vulnerable, no doubt) sharing your thoughts via permanent, written word means getting a lot of feedback on your tone, style and message. It’s probably the single most terrifying part about the writing and publishing experience, at least to me. I’ve heard, and read, of many other authors who share this feeling.
To be more than 6 months out from publication is a gift. One of the things that I’ve been a bit surprised, and delighted, by is hearing from a few people that they’ve gifted a copy of my book to someone they know. I don’t think there’s any bigger praise for an author, irrespective of genre.
I was at a personal event recently and got to catch up with some folks I consider extended family who I haven’t seen in years. One of the things I heard was how they were experiencing the book and sharing it with other people in their lives. To have that kind of affirmation is moving, and I know that I’ll continue to absorb this feedback and support as times goes on. Right now, I’m swimming in tears of gratitude.
If you’re also in the process of writing then you know how vulnerable the process can make you feel. The good news is that if you work alongside that fear, and write from your heart, your work will touch people. They won’t forget how you’ve made them feel, whether that’s 25 people or 25,000.
I’m starting to appreciate this idea much more these days.
Exploring The Shadow and Mystery on the Gratitude Blooming Podcast
In this interview therapist and author of The Shadow Work Workbook talks exploring mystery, the shadow and embracing the permission to grow.
Getting to do podcast interviews where I talk about my work, mental health and shadow integration is always a pleasure and even more so when I get to talk with people like Omar and Belinda from the Gratitude Blooming podcast.
In this episode we were able to talk about my experiences with mystery, sensitivity and creativity (as well as what kind of flower I might be).
Enjoy the episode below!
The Shadow Work Workbook on Book Riot
The Shadow Work Workbook was included on Book Riot’s list titled “The Shadow Knows: 8 Books About Shadow Work.” Click the link below for more information.