Integrating The Shadow

There are secrets that we keep from ourselves. We place certain things — with or without intention — where we cannot see them. We do this to avoid dealing with them because it is too painful or because we just do not want to deal with them. There is a shadow we are always carrying around, and not aware of.

The founder of analytical psychology, Carl Jung, wrote extensively about the shadow. According to Jung, the shadow can include everything outside the light of consciousness and may be positive or negative. “Everyone carries a shadow,” Jung wrote, “and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.”

There is an urgent need — both at the individual and social levels — to integrate the shadow and make the darkness conscious. We need to practise reflection. We need to introspect. We need to dare to look. We need to be willing to become uncomfortable and take risks.

The shadow is unknown territory. There are treasures and dangers there. There is perspective there. It is an act of courage to attempt to integrate one’s shadow — a crucial part of the hero’s journey.

Train yourself physically and mentally to brave the unknown.

Walk into the darkness and bring it to light.

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