How do I start with shadow work

[Angelofdeath]

I really dont understand shadow work , like does it has to be written and stuff...

 

[Beyond Everything]

There are some things that genuinely take time. The clearest example is if you want to change from being a 10 year old to being an adult, or from being a 5th grader to being a physics PhD. Emotional maturity is like this too. There is no substitute for (a) the accumulation of learning experiences and (b) physiological changes which shift you into more patient and more broad-horizoned ways of relating to life

It doesn't take years to become more patient. In fact, with energetic work you can alter any subjective experience of impatience directly. Ipso facto, you become more patient.

Then again, if you want to insist on wallowing in the mire of thoughts qua thoughts and emotions qua emotions you'll never gain insight into the more foundational layers of reality. And you'll spend years looking for a wise yoda to help navigate your emotional life.

In principle, not all aspects of "shadow work" need to take this much time, but part of the problem is that there doesn't seem to be any systematic and reliable method for exposing the shadow, or at least not one that can be applied independently, without placing your trust in an emotionally wise guide who accurately sees you and your shadow. The shadows that we are not ready to see seem to be infinitely creative in their means of evading us while we think we are looking for them, outwitting any system have seen anyone try to create. In reality, it usually does take a good part of lifetime to heal in all the different ways that are necessary in order to be successful at this project.

If you accept (and I'm presuming you do, being that you're on this site) that magic can alter reality in ways that don't comport with any scientific models, then you ought to inquire of yourself why you're a priori putting boundaries and limits on what it is possible to achieve through esoteric means.

 

[Rynnshng]

I really dont understand shadow work , like does it has to be written and stuff...

To confront parts of yourself that you are not aware of, (in shadow), beginning a dream journal where you wake and record your dream (so you may reflect on it later, and see larger patterns in your psyche), then interpret it (to develop your sense of interior self), is an excellent place to start.

 

[kirk]

There are two basic steps in shadow work: (1) become aware of your shadow, (2) "integrate" your shadow. Of the two, step one is by far the most challenging. The problem is that your whole psychology is built around not seeing it, or if you do see it then believing it is totally normal or even necessary. I recommend starting with the much more direct and specific topic of pain. What hurts in your life? When do you hurt? But also, when and how do you hurt others? You still have to look for it, because often times we dissociate from our pain in various ways, but if you keep that question in mind, you will almost certainly learn something about yourself. Then, once you've kept that question in your mind like a spotlight for a month or a year or so, you will have a very rough outline of your shadow.

I too have trouble understanding the process of shadow work. your comments make sense and have given me a some help. Thanks