The Shadow Side

In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present. — Sir Francis Bacon

The shadow side. It can bring a lot of shame. But as we recognise that this part of oneself is a shared experience - it human - we can, perhaps, connect in it.

I totally get that sharing a side of oneself that feels dark, hideous, and soooo far from ‘Instagramable’ is not a walk in the park. But, it may also be the case that you find when you open up about this part of you, the light comes flooding in. In fact, I think that this is why therapy is so important- it creates the conditions to share... and to find that someone can hold space for all of you - the full range of your emotions and experience.

Perhaps the best first step in making peace with this part though, if not speaking to someone, is journaling. As the ink flows you can introduced the shadow side and see if what unfolds on the paper could use a little nurturing itself. A little love. A little self-love for all the pointy bits.