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恋 - 1993

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Beginning Shadow Work: Pt. 3

Identifying Your Shadow

Not everyone interprets the Shadow as literal energetic entity, though doing so can be helpful when attempting to “partner” with it for magical, shamanic, or spiritual purposes. Some people prefer to acknowledge it strictly as an abstract psychological concept, and that’s just fine.

However you innately perceive the Shadow, whether simply as a compilation of subconscious psychological aspects or as an extension of your Self in the form of a functional entity, you will need to do some work in order to identify it. There are various low-intensity exercises that will facilitate this process. In this section, I will offer several that I am aware of and/or have utilized myself.

Exercises

Note that these exercises are not limited solely to identifying the Shadow. In fact, the majority of the exercises that are included in the contents of Beginning Shadow Work are interchangeable and can be used during all levels of the practice. Here I will provide a few examples for identifying the Shadow specifically. 

Introspection Begin intently observing your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Judgments of the world and other people are a great indicators of aspects of your Shadow– question them. Ask yourself why you think or feel a certain way about something. 

Meditation Entering a fairly meditative state will enable you to contemplate your personality and identify your shadow aspects by reflecting on past experiences and moral/social judgments. Guided walk-through meditations can be useful for identifying the Shadow as an abstract being. Doing so may help you procure a solid visualization of your Shadow Self. It will also allow you to interact with your Shadow in later stages of shadow work, but for now just use it as a means of discovering where your Shadow hides. 

Art Whether you’re a seasoned artist or not, you can try identifying your Shadow through creative endeavors. For starters, sit with your thoughts and emotions and “feel around” for where your Shadow is lurking. Try to pick up a mental image of it, then sketch it onto paper to the best of your abilities. Often times the Shadow doesn’t appear in humanoid form– you may see it simply as a vague blob, a mishmash of colors, a monstrous creature, or in any number of ways. You might even want to use more complex artistic mediums than pencil and paper, especially the more vivid its image appears to you. 

Music Listen to some “dark” or solemn music that evokes deep emotions. It can be music you’re already familiar with and have always been drawn to or you can search for something fitting especially for the occasion. I find instrumental music less distracting than music with lyrics, but use whatever feels right for you, of course. Get comfortable then close your eyes and immerse yourself in the melody– let it carry you a way and see where it takes you. Memories might resurface or mental images might be revealed . Take note of what you feel, see and remember, then contemplate the significance of these experiences and relate them to the essence of your Shadow. 

Creative Writing Write a short story about how you perceive a particular situation. Be imaginative– let your thoughts and feelings dictate the story more so than your intellect. Once you’ve finished, analyze the characters you used to represent yourself and others. How do they reflect the characteristics of those involved in the real-life situation? Notice how you project certain aspects of reality in your story and try to understand why you make certain associations. Then, look at the antagonist(s) as an extension of yourself– consider it a facet of your Shadow and try to interpret the story with that in mind. Apply your interpretation to the real-life scenario and take note of any realizations. 

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Beginning Shadow Work: Pt. 2, Sec. 2

Initiating Yourself: Section 2

Shadow Work Initiation Ritual

Determine a good time to do a brief ritual to initiate your journey into shadow work. Try to choose a place that will allow you to be alone, in the dark and uninterrupted. Preferably, I personally recommend somewhere in nature near a flowing water source under a new moon– this particular setting absolutely is not necessary, of course. As far as more practical indoor environments go, I suggest drawing a bath for this ritual. Again, this isn’t necessary, it’s simply a recommendation. Realistically, you could be anywhere– in your bedroom or a closet even, just as long as the mood is right. 

Tools are not entirely necessary either, but I will provide a list of some things that would be useful in facilitating this ritual. If you cannot obtain any of these tools, it’s fine to use your mind and visualization alone. 

Pen and paper

Companion stone (preferably obsidian)

Candle 

Smudging herbs

Matches or a lighter

Fire proof vessel or something you can burn paper in/on

Glass of water

Have your candle and other materials within reach. If you’re working with any stones, keep them on or next to you. Start by smudging the area. Next, ground and center yourself. Then, write down something along the lines of:  “I hereby call forth my shadow, to cooperate in this pursuit of reintegration. Let us convene and come to know each other so we might better serve the Whole. With this ritual I hereby agree to undergo all that is necessary. Let my will be unwavering, my strength resilient, and my patience unending.” 

Turn off the lights or eliminate as many sources of light as possible. Proceed to meditate on the darkness that surrounds you. Reflect on how it makes you feel. Observe the stillness it provides. Embrace its mystery and allow its blackness to consume you. Then reflect on your own inner darkness. Let your thoughts and emotions flow through you. Don’t hold onto them or try to analyze them; just let them flow freely, like water.

Once you’ve reached a meditative state, return to functional consciousness. When your’e ready, light the candle and observe for a moment the contrast between the light of the flame and the darkness of the room/area. Notice how the light spreads and engulfs the surrounding darkness. Visualize bringing light to your darkness. 

Repeat aloud the words you wrote down, then burn the page. Sprinkle the ashes in a water source or dispose of them as you wish– maybe even smear them on your skin if desired. 

Relax and release your space. Drink the glass of water as a symbol of the flowing of your memories, thoughts and emotions throughout your body– let it refresh and empower you. Reflect on any thoughts and feelings that materialize, then record them. 

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Beginning Shadow Work: Pt. 1, Sec. 5

Preparing Yourself: Section 5

Basic Exercises

There are various energetic exercises that will help prepare you for shadow work and will also be used to engage in the practice itself. These typically fall under the category of energy work. I will provide a brief description of several that I find helpful. If you are not familiar with these exercises, you can find further detail with a little bit of time and research. 

Grounding- the process of removing excess energy that causes excitement or agitation by aligning with Earth energy. Grounding neutralizes your personal energetic field, eliminating it of both “positive” and “negative” energy in order to restore and stabilize the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual bodies. This practice aids in bringing oneself to awareness of the present moment and the physical body. It is also useful in tuning into or perceiving energy from external sources. 

Cleansing- the process of releasing energy that is not desired. Cleansing typically targets “negative” energy in particular, such as thoughts and emotions that we find uncomfortable or displeasing, while allowing “positive” energy to remain intact. 

Centering- the process of reclaiming scattered energy and bringing it back to your energetic center, restoring attention and focus. This allows for you to become acutely aware of yourself, particularly your own inner being. 

Shielding- the process of protecting yourself from the energetic influences of your environment. This is particularly useful to remain stable when going into highly charged situations. Shielding will help keep external energies separate from your own so you can remain centered. However, shielding will not protect you from your own “inner demons”, so to speak.  

Meditating- the process of inducing altered states of consciousness. Both active and inactive meditation are helpful. Active mediation can be defined as a multitude of techniques with various objectives. This type of meditation is useful for most basic energetic exercises as well as shadow work. On the other hand, inactive meditation (or what some refer to as true meditation) is a state of total relaxation and acceptance. In essence, inactive meditation is nothing but simply being– no thoughts, no emotions. It is a very difficult but highly rewarding form of meditation. It, too, can be useful for shadow work– primarily to rest and recover.  

Tips 

I would also like to offer some tips to keep in mind that will assure a safe and effective passage into shadow work. While they aren’t entirely necessary, I highly recommend them.

Drink a lot of water- Not only is staying hydrated important to overall health, but the element of water is in close association with the world of emotions and shadow work. Drink it more often than usual. 

Get plenty of sleep- Like water, sleep is vital to physical and mental well-being, so you should try to maintain a regular sleep cycle in which you get adequate rest.

Detox periodically- If possible, try to do brief physical detoxification from time to time, such as fasting, abstinence from drugs/alcohol, removing yourself from highly polluted areas, etc.

Inform your peers- Let your friends and family know that you’re initiating self-healing if you feel comfortable doing so. Many times you might experience intense emotions that may cause you to behave strangely. People who are close to you will likely take notice, so it’s best to give them a heads up regarding what you’re going through.

Share your experiences- Even if you don’t feel comfortable disclosing to your peers that you are practicing shadow work, it’s helpful to have someone who you can confide in. You will likely seek some kind of outlet and/or source of insight at some time or another. Although shadow work is a practice that has to be done predominantly on your own, know that you’re not alone. There are other people who have been through similar experiences and can offer comfort and reassurance, or at the very least are willing to just listen.

Engage in light work- Be sure to alternate between doing shadow work and light work. You’ll need to take a break from time to time and pursue some uplifting practices in order to rest and recharge.

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HOTEL DEL LUNA

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And that’s all any of you need to know

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Before February ends, a miracle is going to happen

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He’s cute

excelsus_

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ultraveam

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these are actually hella fucking cute y'all

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk?

2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day?

3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books?

4: how do you take your coffee/tea?

5: are you self-conscious of your smile?

6: do you keep plants?

7: do you name your plants?

8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings?

9: do you like singing/humming to yourself?

10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach?

11: what's an inner joke you have with your friends?

12: what's your favorite planet?

13: what's something that made you smile today?

14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like?

15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is!

16: what's your favorite pasta dish?

17: what color do you really want to dye your hair?

18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up.

19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it?

20: what's your favorite eye color?

21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that's been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces.

22: are you a morning person?

23: what's your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations?

24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets?

25: what's the weirdest place you've ever broken into?

26: what are the shoes you've had for forever and wear with every single outfit?

27: what's your favorite bubblegum flavor?

28: sunrise or sunset?

29: what's something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing?

30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared?

31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks.

32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends.

33: what's your fave pastry?

34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it?

35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often?

36: which band's sound would fit your mood right now?

37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean?

38: tell us about your pet peeves!

39: what color do you wear the most?

40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what's it's story? does it have any meaning to you?

41: what's the last book you remember really, really loving?

42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it!

43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with?

44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything?

45: do you trust your instincts a lot?

46: tell us the worst pun you can think of.

47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe?

48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today?

49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought?

50: what's an odd thing you collect?

51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them?

52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far?

53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them?

54: who's the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face?

55: what's the most dramatic thing you've ever done to prove a point?

56: what are some things you find endearing in people?

57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics?

58: who's the wine mom and who's the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why?

59: what's your favorite myth?

60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves?

61: what's the stupidest gift you've ever given? the stupidest one you've ever received?

62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind?

63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be?

64: what color is the sky where you are right now?

65: is there anyone you haven't seen in a long time who you'd love to hang out with?

66: what would your ideal flower crown look like?

67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel?

68: what's winter like where you live?

69: what are your favorite board games?

70: have you ever used a ouija board?

71: what's your favorite kind of tea?

72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you'll forget it?

73: what are some of your worst habits?

74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns.

75: tell us about your pets!

76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren't?

77: pink or yellow lemonade?

78: are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub?

79: what's one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you?

80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why?

81: describe one of your friend's eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of.

82: are/were you good in school?

83: what's some of your favorite album art?

84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones?

85: do you read comics? what are your faves?

86: do you like concept albums? which ones?

87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives?

88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy?

89: are you close to your parents?

90: talk about your one of you favorite cities.

91: where do you plan on traveling this year?

92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch?

93: what's the hairstyle you wear the most?

94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday?

95: what are your plans for this weekend?

96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot?

97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house?

98: when's the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it?

99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them.

100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why?

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reblog and make a wish! this was removed from tumbrl due to “violating one or more of Tumblr’s Community Guidelines”, but since my wish came true the first time, I’m putting it back. :)

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Hello I’m meila and uh this is my blog. I post songs that I like, pictures of people I can’t really have (eventually I’ll post myself) and emo poems made by yours truly. Peace fuckers.

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@han_kyung_

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@ahsy_u

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If you listen, reblog: -$uicideboy$ -Pouya -XXXTentacion -Ski Mask Slump God -Ghostmane -Germ -Fat Nick -Bones -Gizmo -Triple Ones -Killstation -Brennan Savage -Lil peep -Lil pump -Yung Lean -Night Lovell -Danzel Curry -Craig Xen -$lug Chri$t

(via riotfucker)

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Ailee bullying Rap Mon into aegyo 😂😂😂😂🙏🙌💁🏻 #brutal #slailee #ailee #rapmonster #rapmon #bts #방탄소년단 #방탄 #김남준 #namjoon #이예진 #에일리 #애교 (at KCON 2016)