The Shadow Seekers’ Dispatch, Ed. 1
Welcome to the first edition of the Shadow Seekers’ Dispatch! I’m so excited that you’re here. Let’s get started.
In This Edition
Index
Chance to Win
Visit the full article, A Simple Guide to Working with Your Shadow Self, to find out how! No hints—just a chance to win $5 via PayPal when you explore the article. Contest ends when someone follows the instructions given in the article. And if you’re intrigued by that article and want to know more, check out The Art of Shadow Work: A Creative Path to Integration.
Working with Your Shadow Self
The Short Version
In my journey of self-discovery, I came across a powerful concept: working with your shadow self. Rooted in Jungian psychology, the shadow is the part of us we often hide, holding traits we might find uncomfortable or even shameful. I discovered that embracing my shadow self led to a profound insight that transformed how I engage with myself:
Once I allowed my shadow self to think what it wanted to think, I unburdened myself of feeling everything twice. There was no more retraumatization from telling my shadow self how wrong it was.
This realization has been pivotal, and I’d like to share how you can begin your own journey of shadow work for greater self-acceptance and inner peace.
Why Embrace the Shadow Self?
Facing our shadow selves can be difficult, as it often means revisiting memories or emotions we’ve buried. Many of us initially believe that shadow work is about getting rid of these hidden parts to be “good” or lovable, but I’ve found it’s more about relieving the double burden we carry when we resist them. The struggle between suppressing pain and consciously feeling it is exhausting, especially for those of us who’ve survived trauma.
Once I stopped resisting, I could finally feel my emotions without the weight of judgment. Allowing my shadow self to exist brought relief and gave me the space to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Getting Started: Simple Steps for Shadow Work
Working with your shadow self begins with gentle self-observation. Here are a few ways to get started:
Notice Your Triggers: Pay attention to moments when you feel triggered or overly defensive. These reactions often hint at parts of ourselves that need attention.
Write Freely: Journaling without judgment can help reveal hidden beliefs and emotions.
Be Kind to Yourself: Instead of trying to change your thoughts, simply allow them to exist. Giving your shadow self this space can be surprisingly liberating.
Tools for Connecting with the Shadow Self
There are many approaches to shadow work, and you may find one that speaks to you:
Art and Creativity: Creating art gives your subconscious a voice, helping you explore your shadow in a safe and expressive way.
Mindfulness: Sitting with your thoughts can reveal patterns and emotions that lie just beneath the surface.
Tarot and Symbols: Using symbols or tarot can provide insight and clarity, showing you parts of yourself you may not see clearly on your own.
Want to Look Deeper?
Shadow work is a journey, not a quick fix. For a complete guide to embracing your shadow, visit the full article. I hope this helps you discover the hidden wisdom and peace that come from seeing yourself fully.
Art Therapy Exercise
This is one of my go-to exercises when I just can’t figure it out (whatever it may be!).
- Draw a 4-inch square on a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Think about something going on with you or simply be open to a message from your subconscious.
- Now doodle, just doodle, in that square until you feel that it is done.
- Eat lunch, watch a show, whatever you want to do that in some way benefits you.
- Go back to your square. Think about what your intention was.
- Now turn it upside down.
- What do you see? What comes to mind? Write any thought on the paper, no matter how valid you think it is.
If you try this exercise, I hope you’ll share your results with me. To do that, you can reply to this newsletter or send an email.
Latest Posts
I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I enjoyed creating them.
Healing Through Shadow Work Creates Real Change
Voodoo Dolls in Modern Spirituality: Honoring History, Embracing Healing
Susanna, the Latest You-Do-You Voodoo™ Custom Art Doll
Susanna’s Energy Is in Her Details
Susanna carries a unique blend of energies through her gemstones and essential oils, each chosen for their special properties to support healing, strength, and clarity.
During Susanna’s making, I intentionally wrapped her and added details to support her healing work. I sent the same gemstones and essential oil to Susanna’s owner in a small gris-gris bag. Here’s how it all went together.
Gemstones
Chrysocolla (Head) – Known for its calming energy, chrysocolla encourages patience and clarity without forcing emotions to the surface. It’s a gentle guide through difficult times, offering peace and wisdom to help balance your heart and mind.
Tiger’s Eye (Beads) – Adding strength and protection, tiger’s eye empowers you to face emotional challenges with confidence. Its grounding energy complements chrysocolla, encouraging courage and resilience.
Turquoise (Beads) – Revered for promoting protection, wisdom, and clear communication, turquoise bridges earthly and spiritual realms. This stone fosters inner calm and helps you express yourself with empathy.
Selenite (Spine) – Selenite amplifies and clears the energies of the other stones, ensuring they stay vibrant. With high vibrational energy, selenite promotes peace, clarity, and stability, tying together the energies of chrysocolla, tiger’s eye, and turquoise.
Essential Oil
Rose – Rose essential oil enhances emotional balance and nurtures your heart, aligning with chrysocolla’s calming and tiger eye’s empowering qualities. Known to uplift the spirit and ease tension, rose oil brings a layer of comfort and protection to your journey.
Susanna is designed to offer healing, strength and clarity to her owner, making her a steadfast companion on the path to inner peace and growth.
Order Before It’s Too Late
Order a custom You-Do-You Voodoo™ art doll for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. It’s hard to believe, but gift-giving season is nearly here. If you want to receive your doll before the holidays, you should order it now.
That’s All for Now
I hope you enjoyed this first edition of the Shadow Seekers’ Dispatch. Let me know any feedback you have so I can make this newsletter all about what you want to know!
Remember to follow @kelliejoart on social media for updates throughout the month. The buttons to click are right below my signature. I’ll see you next time.
Creativity, Light, and Laughter,
Kellie Jo Close
Artist & Author
Transforms Shadows into Light
https://kelliejoart.com | https://linktr.ee/kelliejoart