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Spiritual Growth
Shadow-self. What is it and how to embrace it. (3 min)
Eshan
January 10, 2025
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We all possess aspects of ourselves that may not be our favourites—lingering doubts, paralysing fears, and burdensome guilt and shame. These elements form what is known as the "shadow self." The encouraging news is that by embracing this shadow self, we can lead a more harmonious and fulfilling life. Here’s how to embark on this transformative journey of self-acceptance.
Understanding the "shadow self"
The shadow self embodies those traits—personality quirks, uncomfortable emotions, and troubling thoughts—that we struggle to accept. As licensed clinical psychologist Claire Nicogossian, Psy.D., explains, many resist acknowledging or embracing these aspects, which creates a disconnection from our true selves.
We often overlook the shadow for good reason: these qualities clash with the self-image we strive to maintain.