Are you wondering how to shadow work journal for beginners?
Shadow work journaling is an introspective exercise where you uncover the deepest truths about yourself.
Most people do this with the help of shadow work prompts. Which gives you a place to start with your self-inquiry.
Before I get more into shadow work journaling, it’s important that we cover a few key concepts:
What is shadow and what is shadow work?
The shadow is the side of yourself that’s disconnected and unfelt. It’s the part of yourself that’s been rejected since childhood and you have no awareness of.
Shadow Work is integrating the entire spectrum of your being. It’s the intentional process of admitting the parts of yourself you’ve ignored and repressed.
The shadow is the embodiment of potential that you’ve cast away and now need to integrate.
Admitting you have an unconscious shadow is the first step to be able to “see” it voluntarily.
Integrating the shadow, without biting off too much, is the real challenge. You want to start cultivating these shadow qualities in a safe and ritualized way in your waking life.
Shadow work journaling is a safe and very personal way of doing this.
How to Shadow Work Journal for Beginners
The purpose of these journal prompts is to stir your unconscious mind until you feel sensations in your body.
For example, when I do shadow work I get a nice feeling in my arms and legs. Sometimes I’ll even get a feeling of ‘centeredness’ in the pit of my stomach.
These bodily sensations typically mean that you’ve appeased the unconscious.
However, it’s not all smiles and good feelings.
People who are new to shadow work can get emotional since they haven’t come to terms with their other half.
If you get emotional or have any sensations, be sure to feel them through.
Go deeper by speaking aloud for your unconscious mind to hear, then pay attention for a ‘response’.
Or start writing to your shadow. Then after a moment, write a response you think your shadow would give.
Keep in mind that your unconscious shadow can only reach you indirectly, so you have to trust yourself that you can tap into it.
For an overview of shadow work and integration, you can read our guide here.
That being said—
Try to reach the deepest truths about yourself, even if it goes against what you’d normally expect.
Here are prompts specifically designed to get you in touch with your shadow:
Shadow Work Journal Prompts for Beginners
When you make mistakes, can you move on from them, or do you punish yourself? How do you punish yourself?
What is the worst thing you have ever done to yourself? How can you make up for it with self-love?
Do you find yourself putting a wall up when confronted with certain discussions? What are they, and why?
What negative beliefs do I have about myself? Are they true?
Do you stay silent so as not to experience rejection? Where do you think this started?
What is your most vivid memory of being disappointed as a child?
What lies are you telling yourself at this time? How can you face this denial and be real with yourself?
Do you enforce boundaries with others, or do you let people cross lines? How does this make you feel?
Did you enjoy these Shadow Work Prompts? Check out the rest in our Shadow Work Journal!
The Shadow Work Journal: 240 Daily Shadow Work Prompts contains the following:
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Relationships
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Anger
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Anxiety
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Self-Love
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Healing Trauma
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Abandonment Issues (Codependency)
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Depression
- 30 Shadow Work Prompts for Forgiveness (Letting Go)
Click here to get your Shadow Work Journal Today!
Here are some resources I recommend:
A Light Among Shadows is a guide to self-love and being that helps you overcome negative self-talk, instill genuine self-acceptance, and overcome self-hate and resentment by making sense of people’s level of consciousness and your spirituality.
Shadow Work for Beginners Series helps you beat negative patterns and beliefs, integrate your shadow, heal your inner child, reclaim your projections, build emotional maturity, and take back your life by becoming whole.
Shadow Work for Relationship Series helps you heal your attachment style, navigate relationship issues, and build a healthy, mature relationship.
Advanced Shadow Work is an ongoing publication with continued in-depth insight and practical advice you won’t find anywhere else on the internet for practicing shadow work, self-awareness, inner healing, spiritual development, and more!
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Approved Tools
Tarot Cards (incl. Manifestation Manual ebook) provide insight and intuitive guidance for personal growth and decision-making.
Chakra Crystals (incl. Ancestral Healing ebook) can bring balance and harmony to your mind, body, and spirit.
Book of Shadows (incl. Shadow Work Journal) is your own special journal that you fill up with your energetic intentions as you scribe your own inner practices to be passed down to others.
Subliminal Bundle uses different hypnosis tracks to subconsciously improve your health, love life, motivation, self-love and much more.
These products are not affiliate links, we do not get a commission when you purchase these tools. We are supportive of our partnership with Sinful Goods for offering small websites a chance to promote their brands.
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