The term ‘Shadow’ was used by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung to describe personality traits, desires, and fears that are suppressed, denied, or overlooked. These aspects of the personality are forced away because they interfere with the self-image. Although doing so causes harm personally and to others, either by limiting growth or eliminating it, sending the person into chaos and disorder.
Carl Jung believed that the Conscious Self is the persona individuals develop to fit societal norms and expectations. The shadow, on the other hand, is the unconscious part of our self.
Contrary to how it might seem, the shadow has positive aspects as well, like passions and talents that are suppressed. That’s why Carl Jung advised integrating the shadow. For example, some people suppress the urge to paint or doodle because “grown adults don’t do those kinds of things”. Yet, doing so makes them lose that creative side, and they become rigid and resentful. Another example is the muscular guys in the gym that you see laughing and making remarks about beginners. In reality, it’s the fear of following their desires and becoming indisciplined which would make all their hard work obsolete. The fear of going back to zero.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate.” By Carl Jung.
