Meeting the Shadow: A Jungian Perspective with a Somatic Lens

Carl Jung, one of the most influential figures in modern psychology, introduced the idea of the shadow as a central part of our inner world. The shadow refers to the aspects of ourselves we tend to hide, reject or push away. These can be traits, feelings, urges or memories that we believe are unacceptable or unwanted, either because of social norms or personal experiences.

We all have a shadow. It might show up in moments of irritability, judgement, or shame. It can also appear in projections, when we see in others what we cannot bear to recognise in ourselves. Far from being purely negative, the shadow also contains untapped creativity, vitality and strength. Jung believed that by turning toward the shadow, rather than avoiding it, we open the door to deeper wholeness.

In therapy, shadow work often involves gently exploring the parts of ourselves we have learned to silence. This may be a critical inner voice, a fear of being too much, or a sense of not being enough. It is not about blaming or fixing, but about understanding. When we bring compassion and curiosity to what we have previously disowned, we begin to feel more at home within ourselves.

Shadow work is not only a psychological process. It also lives in the body. Many of the parts we push away are stored not just in thought, but in muscle tension, breath patterns and nervous system responses. A tight jaw, a sunken posture or a held breath may tell the story of a shadow part that learned to stay hidden. Through gentle somatic awareness, we can begin to notice how the body carries what the mind has set aside. With time and safety, the body often softens as these parts are allowed to be felt and welcomed.

Working with the shadow requires patience and courage. It asks us to look inward, not with harsh judgement, but with honesty and care. This process is not always comfortable, but it can be deeply freeing. As we begin to meet the parts we once feared or avoided, we often find they are not as dangerous as they seemed. In fact, they may hold insights we have long needed.

The shadow is not a flaw in who we are. It is a natural part of being human. When we include it in our awareness, rather than fight against it, we come closer to authenticity. And in that, we often discover a quiet kind of peace.