Psychology

Self-development: Exploring and benefits of shadowwork

Parents and children
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Exploration to deepen self-understanding and live more like you

Shadowwork has been attracting attention in the fields of self-development and mental health in recent years. This is an approach that aims to achieve a more fulfilling life by exploring the deep psychology of the self and integrating hidden aspects (shadows). In this article, we will explain the concepts of shadowwork, its benefits, specific ways to get started, and the "questions" that can be useful in practicing in Japan, along with the knowledge of psychiatrist Dr. Krana. Furthermore, we will add experiences and psychological considerations to delve deeper into a more concrete picture of the changes that this process will bring. In particular, we will explore the possibilities of how shadowwork can help us grow ourselves, taking into account the unique culture and values ​​of Japan.

1. What is Shadowwork? A journey that illuminates the shadows that lie deep inside your heart

According to Dr. Krana, the purpose of Shadowwork is self-integration. This refers to being able to recognize and consciously express the "shadow" part of oneself, that is, aspects that you don't consciously recognize but influence your actions and emotions.

  1. We all have both conscious "light" and unconscious "shadow." The shadowy part includes feelings and patterns of behavior that you don't want to admit, such as weakness, fear, guilt, anger, and past trauma. These are things that have been shaped and oppressed by childhood experiences and social norms. In Japan, there is a strong culture that "values ​​harmony" and is considered a virtue to refrain from assertion and suppress emotions, so it is difficult to notice one's own shadows.
  2. Shadowwork aims to self-integrate by facing and accepting this shadow. The more you try to deny and suppress the shadow, the more you become unconsciously controlled and can cause a variety of problems. People with strong self-denial will become jealous of others and become aggressive, while people who have suffered from past trauma will overreact in certain situations.
  3. Shadowwork recognizes and accepts these shadows, making it conscious of unconscious patterns of behavior and encourages more constructive choices. It is a process that locates treasures that lie deep within your heart, and is an important step towards self-development. Psychologically, it is attracting attention as a way to encourage self-acceptance and restore mental health.

2. The wide range of benefits of shadowwork

 Experiences and psychological changes in Japan

Shadowwork is a process of facing one's inner self, but it also has a positive impact on everyday life and relationships. It will play an important role in maintaining mental health, especially in Japan, where mental balance is likely to be disrupted in a stressful society.

By facing the decline and shadows of escapism, we will not escape from the problem, but instead seek a fundamental solution.

Experience: I, who used to escape from social media when I had a difficult problem, have now gained the courage to face the problem. Psychologically, self-efficacy increased and anxiety decreased.

Hayashi
Hayashi


Green
Green

Reduced overreactions to others: The points of concern that others may reflect your own shadow. Understanding the reasons will help you tolerize others and smoothen your relationships.

Experience: I used to be annoyed by my colleagues who "can't do my job," but now that I realize I'm perfectionist, I can now respect others. Psychologically, it was a source of tolerance for others.

Understanding the influence of past experiences - Childhood experiences have a major impact on personality development. Through shadowwork, you can heal past wounds and build a healthier self.

Experiences: I had so low self-esteem that I was trying to meet the expectations of my parents, but now I understand my past experiences and become able to recognize myself. Psychologically, I have become more self-accepted and my mind is calmer.

Hana
Hana
Brown
Brown

Healthy expression of emotions - Rather than suppressing them, you will be able to accept and express them constructively.

Experience: In the past, we tend to suppress our emotions, but through shadowwork, we have been able to properly express our emotions, reducing stress. Psychologically, I no longer have to suppress my emotions, and my heart is lighter.

Improve your self-confidence - By accepting your own shadow, you will accept yourself as you are and increase your self-esteem.

Experience: I used to not recognize my weaknesses, but through Shadowwork I was able to understand that it is also part of me. Psychologically, I have become more self-accepted and am able to love myself.

Pon
Pon
Me
Me

Clarify boundaries - Clear the boundaries between you and others, and respect your own will without being swayed by others.

Experience: I used to not refuse others' requests, but through shadowwork I learned to value my time and energy. Psychologically, I was able to respect my wishes and reduced my stress.

Realizing a way of life that is faithful to you - Listen to your inner voice and act according to what you really want to do.

Experience: Previously, I was trying to meet the expectations of those around me, but through Shadowwork I realized my desires and my satisfaction level increased. Psychologically, I have become more self-consistent and I can now experience a life that is unique to me.

Donbei
Donbei
Oguri
Oguri

Improve destructive behaviors, helping you understand the emotions and needs underlying destructive behaviors, such as addiction and overeating caused by stress, and help you find constructive ways to deal with them.

Experience: I used to overeat due to stress, but through shadowwork, I have now realized the desires behind it, and I am now able to relieve stress through exercise and hobbies. Psychologically, I have improved my ability to cope with stress.

3. How to get started with shadowwork   

 Approach tailored to the practice in Japan

Shadowwork requires no special places or tools as long as you have a curiosity and a free-standing mind about self-exploration. You can do it alone or with a therapist, but in Japan, some people may feel reluctant to look at their inner self. It's important not to rush and work at your own pace.

  1. Pay attention to critical words - Critical words used in everyday life are mirrors that reflect your own shadow. Let's explore the background of those.
  2. Example: If you feel that "that person is lazy", you may be too serious.
  3. Writing a diary - By objectively recording your emotions and thoughts, you can notice your own patterns of behavior and emotional tendencies.
  4. Talk to people you can trust. Opinions from family, friends, and colleagues are a good opportunity to get to know yourself objectively.
  5. Have time to reflect and face your mind in a relaxed environment, such as meditation or walking.
  6. It is important not to deny emotions and to accept and integrate negative emotions.

4. "Question" useful for shadowwork

Shadowwork is a dialogue with yourself. Develop your self-understanding through the following questions:

"Why do I have strong feelings for XX? (→What unresolved emotions do I have in the background of my emotions?"

George
George
Fukutomi Kazutaka
Fukutomi Kazutaka

"Is this feeling related to past experiences? (→What kind of trauma and wounds is it linked to?)?"

"Why do you think only XX? (→What kind of anxiety and fear do you think of it?"

Hayashi
Hayashi
Green
Green

"Why is there a gap between my ideal self and my real self? (→What kind of self-denial is it coming from?)?"

"What are you trying to hide when criticizing others? (→What self-defense mechanisms are at work?"

Hana
Hana
Brown
Brown

"What influence have past wounds affect you now? (→What influence do they have on your current behavior and emotions?)"

"What do you really want? What is it that hinders you? (→What unmet needs are hidden?)

Pon
Pon
Me
Me

"Do your values ​​match your actions? (→What kind of unconscious conflict do you have?)"

"Are you neglecting your feelings in an attempt to meet the expectations of those around you? (→What kind of anxiety does it mean to meet the expectations of others?)

Donbei
Donbei
Oguri
Oguri

"Are you not bound by the idea of ​​"should"? (→What values ​​and beliefs do they come from?")

"Doesn't Japanese culture and social norms interfere with self-expression? (→What kind of fear is it that you try to conform to social norms?"

George
George
Fukutomi Kazutaka
Fukutomi Kazutaka

These questions reveal deep within the heart of the emotions and thoughts, paving the way for self-integration.

5. Things to be careful about when working on shadowwork (Notes on practice in Japan)

Shadowwork is a powerful tool, but there are some things to keep in mind.

  1. Avoid lack of scientific evidence and excessive expectations, and view it as a means of self-growth.
  2. Don't criticize yourself, and even if you notice your shadow, there's no need to blame yourself. Accept and watch over you gently. In Japan, there is a strong tendency to self-critical, so it is important to have a sense of encouraging yourself.
  3. Considering expert support, if you have past trauma and it is difficult to tackle it on your own, get expert support.
On a journey of self-exploration

Shadowwork shows you the path to achieving a more personal way of life by facing your inner self and integrating shadows.

In Japan, people often refrain from asserting themselves and suppressing emotions, but shadowwork encourages people to accept themselves as they are, not bound by their values.

We hope that this will help everyone interested in shadowwork to begin their own journey of self-exploration. Don't rush, listen slowly, and walk along the path of self-growth,

ABOUT ME
Shokey Hayashi
Shokey Hayashi
Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher
Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.
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