Archetypes in Shadow Work
Every archetype can be presented as virtue and shadow. This echoes the Natural Law of Balance and symbolizes the neutrality of all things. Archetypes are universal symbols deeply embedded in the collective unconscious, shaping our behaviors, desires, and experiences. This implies in reality, our experience is a co-creation between the conscious and the collective unconscious.
We do not work alone.
We are impacted by the collective, and from there, we take conscious & unconscious actions in our lives. These actions form our personality and reputation & inform our personal & professional relationships.
Subtly, our choices in life are neuroplastic and willing to change. But without intention, our choices are simple and lawful. Our unconscious actions are patterned from the past. What we do not heal, we are patterned to repeat.
And for me, that’s the same seed function of slavery. To be asleep is to be captive to my pain and my past. When I separate from my grudges, I connect with freshness and freedom. I want to be awake enough to overcome my grudges. I want to be awake enough to choose healing again and again.
Every time I find a creative choice in my life, I know I am healing. If I’m stuck in indecision, I am connected to the past. Pure potential energy is available. I have to remove the sludge between me and that energy to find it.
Every time I practice creative choice, I know I am healing.
Watercolor is a practice in creative choices. I practice creative choice when I realize I don’t have to do things the way I did it before. I realize my freedom because I continue to awaken to my life. Every single day.
When I act in a sleepy or shadowy way, I am following a pattern I adopted. Not the pattern of my intention. I know through my metta meditation practice: I am loving awareness, I am pure consciousness. When I am awake to my life, I choose growth. I choose vitality. I choose life.
We all come from controllable and uncontrollable experiences. Safety is not guaranteed on planet Earth. There is a quality of trauma-informed-ness to it.
All archetypes, identified by Carl Jung, emerge in various aspects of our lives and facilitate self-understanding and growth. The Kim Krans Archetype Card Deck takes these concepts further, providing a visual and intuitive method for individuals to explore their own shadows and light through beautifully illustrated cards.
Each archetype in Krans' deck represents a unique facet of the human experience, prompting reflection and insight into personal truths, relationships, and emotional patterns. Engaging with these cards fosters a pathway to embracing our shadow aspects, ultimately leading to a more integrated and authentic self.
I studied this card deck deeply for many years. I call on it as a resource when helping my clients see the aspects deeper aspects of themselves.
I've guided clients through shadow work and processing difficult emotions using several effective strategies:
Creating a safe space: You emphasize the importance of establishing a non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their shadow aspects (audio_only).
Acknowledging the process: You remind clients that shadow work often chooses us, rather than the other way around. This helps them accept the process and reduces resistance (audio_only).
Encouraging surrender: You guide clients to surrender to what's real in the moment, rather than trying to force change. This approach helps them face their emotions more authentically (audio_only).
Balancing human and spiritual aspects: You encourage clients to integrate both human and spiritual elements in their shadow work, emphasizing that abandoning either aspect isn't beneficial (audio_only).
Using journaling and creative exercises: You suggest journaling prompts and creative writing exercises to help clients explore their inner archetypes and shadow aspects (Coaching: AO // Brendan).
Practicing self-forgiveness: You guide clients to forgive themselves in the moment when confronting difficult emotions or past actions (Coaching: AO // Brendan).
Exploring internal archetypes: You introduce the concept of internal archetypes to help clients understand different parts of themselves, including shadow aspects (Coaching: AO // Brendan).
Emphasizing the temporary nature: You remind clients that intense emotional periods are temporary, which helps them persevere through difficult times (audio_only).
Encouraging support systems: You advise clients to seek support from trusted individuals or groups during their shadow work journey (audio_only).
Practicing empathy: You guide clients to develop empathy for themselves and others as they confront their shadow aspects, which can lead to greater understanding and healing (Coaching: AO // Brendan).
Some tips I've shared that have been particularly effective include:
Viewing shadow work as a transformative process rather than a punishment.
Using physical movement and yoga to help process emotions stored in the body.
Recognizing that avoiding pain often creates more discomfort in the long run.
Balancing introspection with practical, grounded actions in daily life.
Embracing the complexity of one's inner world and using it as a source of strength and creativity.
My approach to shadow work emphasizes self-compassion, integration, and personal growth, helping clients navigate their emotional landscapes with greater awareness and resilience.
