Hello,
I'm Charlotte G.
Welcome to this pause,
This space,
Some time for you to just be.
We're going to look today at bringing in our shadow self and creating a space where we can begin to feel that we're more integrated,
That we're more of a whole.
And that can sometimes feel like something that's difficult,
Difficult to make space for.
So we're going to start by just gently pausing and allowing some connection with our breath.
And then work through into some acceptance exercises together in a way that feels safe and contained.
So first of all,
Find yourself a way of being that works for you physically.
You might be standing,
Sitting or lying down.
If you want to close your eyes,
You can let the lids just gently float closed.
Or you can just lower and soften your gaze and rest it in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Take some time here to adjust your environment and your physical body in whatever way you need to,
To give yourself the best chance you can to just pause.
Nestle into whatever is supporting you,
Be it the floor,
The chair,
The bed.
And allow yourself to ground down into your feet or your sitting bones or perhaps your whole back body if you're lying down.
Whatever you feel is in contact with you,
Allow it to support you.
Know that it can and that it in turn is supported by the earth itself.
Underneath all these layers of the world we have around us is our earth supporting us all.
Have a stretch and a wriggle.
Acknowledge the settling down of your bones and tendons,
Whatever position you're in.
And let them know that they can rest a moment here with us.
So now,
Comfortable and supported,
Let's begin by gently becoming aware of the breath.
Feel your breath as it enters your nose or mouth,
Whatever feels right for you in this moment.
Feel that cool feeling of the air moving in and then how it warms gently as it travels down your throat into your chest and lungs.
For now,
Just allow it to move as it does,
Accepting it in and allowing it out.
Let's just take a few breaths there.
Just feeling the weight of your body on the earth,
Connecting and allowing the breath in and out with its own rhythm.
Not trying to control or change it.
As you ease into this state of gentle relaxation,
Begin to visualize a gentle warm light surrounding you.
This light represents unconditional love and acceptance.
The love and acceptance of the universe that brought you into being.
Imagine this light embracing every part of you,
Your body,
Your mind,
Your soul.
And that includes the parts that you usually keep hidden from others and sometimes from yourself.
Now,
Let's gently bring to mind the concept of the shadow self.
By that I mean the aspects of your personality,
Impulses and emotions and behaviours that you may hide or deny.
And this could include fears,
Insecurities or past behaviours that perhaps you feel you're not proud of.
We all have them,
Every one of us.
We will have had them as far back as we can remember and probably even further than that.
Because we're human.
With each breath that you take now,
Welcome these parts of yourself into that warm accepting light.
Understand that these aspects are not to be feared or suppressed.
They are simply part of your human experience and your growth as a human being on this earth.
Let's take some breaths now.
Allowing the breath in and out and visualizing that warm accepting light.
The universe intended for you to be here just as you are.
All parts of yourself.
Now,
Let's repeat some affirmations.
And you can either do this silently inside your head or out loud,
Whatever feels comfortable.
I'm going to say it first and then give you a moment to just say that back to yourself and feel that settle within you.
The first one.
I acknowledge and accept all parts of myself,
Including my shadow.
My shadow self is a source of learning and transformation.
I embrace my shadow parts and understand they make me whole.
I forgive myself for my past actions and choose to grow from them.
I welcome my shadow with compassion and curiosity.
I am deserving of love and forgiveness.
Each day I strive to become a better,
More understanding version of myself.
My feelings are part of my unique and valuable journey.
I release any shame or guilt surrounding my shadow self.
And finally,
I am enough just as I am.
As you repeat these affirmations,
Imagine that warm light of acceptance growing stronger,
Enveloping your entire being.
Feel the peace and confidence that comes from embracing your shadow self.
Allow yourself to soak up this feeling of wholeness.
Picture the light moving through your body,
Soothing any areas of tension or discomfort,
Because those may arise as we address these parts that have been hidden in our shadow.
Let that light of unconditional love reach every corner of your being,
Bringing with it a sense of calm and peace,
A sense of acceptance.
Now imagine yourself standing in a beautiful,
Serene place,
Somewhere where you feel completely safe and at ease.
Take a moment just to visualize what that looks like,
As if you're standing there right now.
Look around to your left,
Your right,
Up above you,
Down at your feet,
And know that this is your sanctuary,
A place where you can be your authentic,
Whole self,
Without judgment.
As you stand in this sanctuary,
Imagine your shadow standing beside you.
Take a moment to acknowledge this part of you.
Gently,
With love and compassion,
Turn towards your shadow self and invite it into the warm light that's bathing you.
Embrace that shadow self in that warm light,
And as you do so,
Just hear the following affirmations.
You don't need to repeat them back.
I am a complex,
Multifaceted human being,
Deserving of love and respect.
I honor my journey,
Including the dark and light aspects.
I am resilient and capable of overcoming any challenges.
My shadow self is a valuable teacher,
Guiding me towards growth.
I trust myself and my ability to navigate my emotions with grace.
I am whole and complete.
I am at peace with all parts of myself.
I let go of the need to be perfect.
Because perfection is an impossibility,
And I embrace my authentic self.
I am a beautiful balance of strengths and vulnerabilities.
I love and accept my whole self.
And then,
When you feel ready,
Gently bring your awareness back to the breath in your body.
Just feel that breath that the universe has given you by bringing you into being.
Bringing you here so that you can be loved unconditionally for your whole self.
When you're ready,
Begin to wiggle your fingers and toes.
Take a moment just to feel that energy within the body.
See how that golden light has soaked into your whole self.
And when you feel ready to,
Raise your gaze or open your eyes.
And a moment to appreciate the sense of wholeness.
Remember that embracing your shadow is an ongoing journey.
When we practice curiosity and compassion,
We can be gentle with ourselves.
And continue to nurture this acceptance in our daily lives.
I'm here the next time you feel ready and interested in connecting with your shadow self.
And going forward as a whole in that gentle light of love.
I'll see you soon.
Goodbye for now.
