Angela Grillo Coaching

Sacred Coaching Through Dreams & Creativity

healing dreams

Shadow Work is Harrrd! How Can Rewilding Dreams Help?

Angela GrilloComment
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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

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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

The Value of Rest: Staying Home & Taking (Self) Care this Winter

Angela Grillo

The time has changed, winter is coming. We’re heading for darker times, deeper nights and deeper dreams. Just as we’re approaching the holidays, we’re being asked to stay home and stay safe. In many ways, I know you’re feeling tired. I am too. So I’m resting. How will you choose to embrace what lies ahead?

Here are a few ideas to support you in making the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones. 

Listen to the wisdom of your body.  Trust your body knows exactly what it needs.

If you’re tired, rest. 

Healing will take place as you sleep. 

Sleep/rest will boost your immune system. 

Sleep can strengthen your heart.

Rest will support your nervous system / help you stay calm, patient, and positive.

Dreaming will help process all that you’re feeling / going through.

Dreaming can offer you a new perspective / sacred action to take.

What if you’re unable to rest? You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or longing to feel some sort of normalcy by being with your family for the holidays. What if you have to continue working, despite the discomfort? What if your feelings feel like too much to hold right now?

What else can I do?!

Desperate times call for transformative measures! 🙌

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What if you took a moment to EMBRACE DISCOMFORT?

As you would for your child, pet, your beloved. What would this look/feel like for you?

 In your gut you know you’re not addressing the deeper sensations within, but the thought of being with the feeling is overwhelming. It’s hard to sit with your sadness/grief, and not know how to fix it.  At times, we’re not even aware of it - grabbing snacks, a drink, vegging out in front of a screen or shopping for things we don’t need. 

*For me, embracing my discomfort looked like laying on the bed in the fetal position, letting my tears fall down my face and a little bit of wailing, all while singing a song.

So what can I do to embrace my discomfort?

Begin by being with all of you and all that you’re feeling.

I assure you, there is comfort on the other side. This simple act of caring for yourself has big rewards. 🧚‍♀️