Shadow Work: The Parts of You Seeking Wholeness
One of the foundations of working with your dreams begins with a simple but radical act: learning to turn toward the dark figures in your dreams instead of away from them. This is what is known as ‘Shadow Work,’ a concept popularized by Carl Jung, which refers to the process of exploring the unconscious, rejected, repressed, or denied parts of ourselves.
The dark shadow refers to the parts that are destructive or that we dislike and disown. These hidden elements have not disappeared, though; they reside under our awareness, operating unconsciously, negatively affecting our lives as we project these qualities onto others instead of owning them. These discarded parts, however, long for our recognition and often tug at us through our dark, disturbing, or scary dreams.
The bright shadow, then, speaks to our greatness and the gifts and talents that we hide, reject, or fear, as well as projecting onto others. If we don't recognize our bright shadow projections, we miss out on the gifts we could be sharing with the world. Shadow “work” is the brave act of confronting and reclaiming the gifts of these disowned parts. It is the shadow, after all, that usually carries what we need to grow.
Dreams are the most direct and safe place to access this unwanted material and bring it to awareness. While we sleep, the ego's defenses relax, and the unconscious speaks freely through imagery and metaphoric narratives. The scary or disturbing figures that appear in our dreams often represent shadow aspects seeking recognition.
On my journey of healing from old wounds and traumas, I have inevitably had to face difficult parts of myself that I stuffed away and forgot.
Once, I spotted a deep sea monster covered in green scales, with a horn on her head and red, glowing eyes. She was in a rage because she had been trapped there under the ocean for a very long time and wanted my help.
This “monster” was the red-eyed monster of jealousy, which I had buried as a teenager after deep hurt and betrayal I had experienced in some of my relationships.
I had no idea this part of me still lurked; she was buried so deep.
Instead of being scared of her, I got curious. I felt sad to see how much pain she was in. She reached her hand out of the sea to touch me, and we reconnected. With empathy for her and that old hurt part, I could now turn with compassion toward myself and my struggles.
These kinds of figures have been guides to some of my greatest growth. Turning towards some of these figures with love rather than fear or aggression creates a genuine and tangible sense of freedom that arises from reclaiming the energy previously used to repress them. You also can reclaim a part of your authentic self, voice, and vitality.
Here is an invitation:
Look to your dreams and see if you can find any examples of where you may have turned away, acted aggressively, or tried to escape when met with a dark or scary element.
Imagine or consider what new behavior you could try next time and what the possible new outcome might be.
Try approaching shadow material with curiosity the next time you encounter it to see what changes.
Reframe scary figures as powerful allies who’ve come with unique gifts to help you grow and heal
Your dreams are active partners in the sacred work of becoming whole and come in the service of health and wholeness.
May your dreams be golden 🌟
Kris
Kristin Lang is a Dream Work Educator & Guide.
To get your Unique DreamKey, visit her website