Part 1: The Repressed Self
Why Shadow Work Is Crucial for Women
Women are often conditioned from an early age to embody traits that align with societal expectations—kindness, selflessness, emotional control, and caretaking. While these qualities are valuable, the suppression of their counterparts—assertiveness, ambition, anger, and independence—can lead to deep internal conflict. Shadow work allows women to reclaim the full spectrum of their emotions and potential, helping them break free from limiting beliefs and self-imposed constraints.
Unacknowledged aspects of the feminine shadow can manifest in perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear of success, or the inability to express needs and desires. By bringing these hidden elements into conscious awareness, we cultivate self-acceptance and personal empowerment.
Journal Topic 1: What Is the Biggest Lie I Tell Myself Consistently?
Our inner narratives shape our self-perception and behaviors. Many of these narratives are inherited from cultural norms, childhood experiences, or past wounds. Identifying the biggest lie you tell yourself is a critical step in shadow work.
Guiding Questions:
What recurring negative thought or belief do I struggle with the most?
Where did this belief originate? Can I trace it back to a specific moment or person?
How does this lie influence my decisions, relationships, or self-worth?
What emotions arise when I consider the possibility that this belief is untrue?
What truth can I replace this lie with, and how would my life change if I embraced it?
Somatic Work Suggestion: Practice breathwork and body scanning while repeating the new, empowering belief. Notice any tension that arises and gently release it through movement or deep exhalation.
Journal Topic 2: When Am I the Hardest on Myself and Why?
Self-judgment often stems from unmet expectations or deeply ingrained patterns of self-criticism. Understanding the triggers behind our harshest self-judgments can help us practice self-compassion and dismantle destructive thought loops.
Guiding Questions:
What situations trigger my harshest self-criticism?
Are these moments linked to past experiences, societal standards, or personal insecurities?
How do I typically respond to myself when I make a mistake or fall short?
If I treated myself with the same kindness I offer a close friend, how would I react differently?
What small daily practice can I implement to cultivate self-compassion?
Somatic Work Suggestion: Engage in self-holding exercises—place one hand on your heart and one on your stomach, breathe deeply, and speak a comforting affirmation to yourself, such as "I am enough just as I am." Let this practice ground you in self-acceptance.
This first step in shadow work asks you to sit with discomfort, but through inquiry and embodiment, you will begin to reclaim the parts of yourself that long to be seen. Stay with the process—your wholeness awaits.
