Hello Shadow
This is my parents’ new puppy. While I was home visiting, she was a gentle guide in remembering to embody my true nature.
If only shadow work were as sweet as her…
And why can’t it be? For those of us who have experienced working with the shadow either through dreams, therapy and/or other forms of healing modalities - we know there can be struggles as we break free from old beliefs, deep programming, negative voices, to name a few. There are also times when it’s challenging to honor, embrace and integrate another side of the shadow, which I call our GOLD shadow aspects.
The NEGATIVE shadow will try to keep us boxed in, caged in a mold that only fits into the over-culture and societal norms.
How does this show up? You may notice parts of yourself feeling unworthy of your gifts, patterns of patriarchal thinking, and conscious/unconscious behaviors that lead to numbing out, addictions or depression.
You can bet your shadow will show up when you’re on the precipice of a breakthrough, transition, spiritual awakening or alignment, letting go, stepping into a new phase of life or creative path. Sometimes it shows up to protect you, support you, or keep you small, which manifests in struggles with the unacceptable part of one’s nature.
What are the “unacceptable” parts of one’s nature? This depends on what qualities / traits / behaviors were valued, accepted, nourished, or unaccepted and disregarded in your home, community, culture, and society. There is an inability to see, feel and know your truth.
For example:
*If you never knew how to create boundaries in relationships before, and you begin to set them with others - this potentially would show up as a shadow aspect - making you feel as if you are wrong in your intentions to create healthy boundaries.
*If your gifts and talents were never recognized and nurtured, it may be hard to believe you are worthy of a life utilizing those gifts.
*If you grew up being told you are poor, you may have feelings of lack.
All of these examples can manifest in different ways of intense spiraling; anxiety, depression, self-sabotage, guilt, longing, etc.
How can our dreams help? Our dreams can support and show us how to rewild to our true nature, where the soul lies and lives. The shadow tries to keep the parts of ourselves which are “unacceptable” from becoming embodied, from living through you.
When we embrace our shadow aspects and integrate them into our daily practices, rituals and share these gifts/qualities with others - this is when we begin to feel whole, nourished, cared for, seen as we truly are. With ALL PARTS INCLUDED.
What is Rewilding? Rewilding means to RESTORE to its natural uncultivated state or original habitat. For us humans, I see it as returning to embody one’s true nature.
How do I embody my true nature? Allow yourself to thrive through blessings and love, care and listening. Clarissa Pinkola-Estés, author of Women Who Run With the Wolves, said healers from her culture, would first ask and listen to what the individual’s soul needed. One way to listen is through your dreams. Honor your gifts and blessings. Remember who you are, who you are here to be. Communicate within -- Ask your Soul what it needs.
You’ve heard of soul purpose right? The soul comes alive through the creative things you love to do. This is what makes you unique to who you are. Your soul purpose is found in allowing yourself the time, space and energy to live honoring all the parts of yourself.
Types of dreams showing signs to suggest and/or support rewilding :
Animal Dreams or Unknown Creatures - they may come fierce, larger than usual and many of them
Nature Dreams - being with the land, plants, new territories
Running/Hiding from Predators (this usually shows up as authority figures, dark, male)
Tower Dreams such as natural disasters, dismemberment, death
Losing Identity & Searching for a New One, ie. clothes, shoes, personal belongings, items with meaning
Baby & Child Dreams - pregnancy, children showing up, searching for a child
If you’re interested in exploring your Wild, Shadow through Dreams & Embodiment
Please join me for this very special workshop
FRIDAY April 16
6-8PM
NOLA Cottage Magick
New space, recently opened, in person!
601 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117
COST $35
Space is limited to 12 - Get your seat today!
Additional Workshop Elements & Benefits:
• Understanding the language of your dreams
• Discover the dream symbols that guide you to your authentic self
• Learn to use dreams as a resource through transitions & turning points
• Honor / Integrate the Shadow