Undercover your shadow

Words NATALIE GIANNITSADIS

There are aspects of ourselves that we have suppressed and pushed deep into the backs of our subconscious. These are our shadows. These hidden parts of you can include your creative talent, your personality or your ambitions. You may recognise them as things you have hidden from the outside world in order to be accepted, liked and loved by those around you; even your parents. Sounds messed up right?

We have banished these things to our shadow self because we feared on a subconscious level that if we didn’t, we would lead a life of loneliness and exclusion.

The thought of anyone doing this to themselves sounds both terrifying and sad. But how does this happen?

The answer is simple and it goes like this… “Good little girls and boys should be seen and not heard.” “Good little girls and boys should not express their opinions or feelings” or “You will not make a career from being a (singer/actor/artist) because there’s no money in it.”

Can you hear the ambitions and emotions being buried like a casket?

These aspects are suppressed and aren’t given an opportunity to thrive. We create a false self to protect what is within. We train ourselves to accept less than what we truly are and the shadow is formed.

THE WORK

Into our adult years we start to see the world for what it really is and has to offer. We start to ‘question’ ourselves, our parents, our life as we know it. We start to think about our childhood and experiences on a deep and mindful level.

Maybe we don’t need to be obedient anymore.

Maybe we want to break free and be the true authentic self that we were born to experience. This is when THE WORK BEGINS.

The work simply means that we have to go through the emotional, turbulent rollercoaster of confronting our shadow face to face and recognising all of those precious aspects that were ignored and buried as a child. Speaking your truth, sharing your opinion, buying those shoes, or cutting ties with things that no longer serve you. These are just a few of the shadows we face. If you ignore your shadow you will always be an actor living a less-than-authentic life.

You start recognising your shadows when you start asking questions. Can you see your shadow?

It will follow you wherever you go and will never leave you until you stop and face it.

That is why it is called the shadow…

NATALIE is a Gold Coast based Naturopath and Holistic Health Practitioner who has experience helping people with supressed emotions and those in need of guidance. She is available for consultation in person and online. Mobile: 0403 129 246 Chevron Island, Gold Coast Qld 4217 www.nataliegian.com