Welcome back to our journey into the heart of shadow work. So far, we've learned that our triggers and hidden selves are not enemies to be defeated, but rather messengers guiding us toward a deeper understanding of who we are. Now, we're going even deeper, exploring one of the most powerful and painful emotions we can carry: shame.
Our journal prompt for today is a courageous one: "When do I feel most ashamed of myself? What's underneath that shame?"
Shame is the feeling that we are fundamentally flawed or unworthy. Unlike guilt, which is about having done something "bad," shame is about being something "bad." It's a heavy, constricting emotion that can make us want to disappear, to hide the parts of ourselves we believe are unforgivable. This is where shadow work becomes not just a practice, but a profound act of self-love and healing.
Think about the last time you felt a true pang of shame. Was it after an emotional outburst you later regretted? A moment of vulnerability that was met with criticism? A failure to meet an expectation, either your own or someone else's? That feeling is often a direct line to a part of your shadow that has been wounded.
The most important step is to ask "What's underneath this shame?" Don't stop at the surface-level answer. If you feel ashamed of your anger, what's behind it? Is it a fear of being "out of control"? A belief that expressing anger makes you unlovable? If you feel ashamed of a past mistake, is it the act itself, or the belief that you're an inherently "bad person" because of it?
Underneath our shame, we often find our deepest fears and unmet needs. The shame of a professional failure might be rooted in a fear of not being good enough. The shame of a moment of jealousy might be hiding a core need for security or recognition that you haven't been able to voice. These hidden needs are the vulnerable parts of our shadow that have been hurt and are crying out for attention and compassion.
The benefit of doing this work is that by shining a light on these feelings, you begin to dissolve their power. Shame thrives in secrecy and darkness. When you bring it to the light—in the safe space of your journal—you can start to see it for what it is: not a reflection of your unworthiness, but a protective layer that was created to shield a wounded part of you.
This isn't about excusing past behavior, but about understanding its origins with a new sense of compassion. The shame of an angry outburst can be met with the realization that your anger is a healthy signal that a boundary has been crossed. The shame of a mistake can be reframed as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Doing this work is not easy, but the freedom it offers is immeasurable. When we face our shame and embrace the vulnerable parts of ourselves, we can move from hiding to healing. We can finally stop feeling like we're carrying a secret burden and begin to live with genuine self-acceptance.
As you sit with this prompt, remember to be kind to yourself. This is a brave and necessary step on the path to living an authentic and whole life.
If you want more tips and support, find me on TikTok, find me on TT:@ starseedsarah. Let's continue this journey to balance and purpose, and let our energy show what we choose to focus on – success, love & courage!
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