Shadow Work for Beginners
Shadow Work for the Beginner
Book review
Shadow work for the beginner.
A kind and gentle approach to living the life we were meant to live.
This book is geared towards men, but as a woman, I found the book contains useful information that cannot only enlighten us about well us, but about our male counterparts as well.
Traditionally men have been expected to present as strong and solid individuals and to suppress their emotions believing them to be a sign of weakness. Societal pressures have kept many men from feeling their emotions, denying them one of the most basic of human rights.
Through the writings, we are shown shadow work is an ongoing process, not a one stop fix-it situation. This practice takes, “patience, perseverance, and practice.” The author points out that choosing to do shadow work is beneficial in creating a, “compassionate, caring, and understanding relationship with yourself.” It is further indicated that “practicing emotional acceptance means giving yourself permission to feel. It’s about letting the emotion wash over you experiencing it without judgment or resistance.” The author provides us with many tools for success. Not only are we shown ways to do shadow work, but also how to experience feelings while allowing them to be, and then proceed from there. There are numerous examples in which the author draws from their own personal experiences and provides suggestions and guidance in working on our shadow self. Additionally, the author provides opportunities for us to reflect on our past, particularly on our childhood and traumas that were incurred during this stage of development. Initially the reader is encouraged to take baby steps and consider ways we can breakdown issues into smaller, workable parts. We are further encouraged to remember that shadow work is an ongoing process. By staying the path in reaching our authentic self we can find true inner peace.
I would recommend this book to men and women alike to promote a better understanding of the changing role of men in our society.