Leah Burt

A content creator, an aspiring holistic health practitioner, and a philanthropist.

[lmxburt]

The Science of the Subconscious

An in-depth overview of Carl Jung’s “Shadow Self”

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." -Carl Jung

Introduction

Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss analytical psychiatrist, developed and introduced the concept of our “Shadow Self,” which provides us the captivating and intriguing idea that there are two aspects of our selves: The conscious side and the subconscious side; the latter which is normally hidden and only may be acknowledged or accessed via the use of specific forms of therapy. He also had advanced the concept of introvert and extravert personalities as well as personality archetypes (Biography, 2023).

Carl Jung also helped develop analytical psychology, commonly termed as “Jungian Psychology” or alternatively, “Jungian Therapy.” It is the study of a comprehensive, analytical form of therapy to distinguish the conscious mind from the subconscious mind, with the objective to gain an immense understanding of the patient’s “real” self, rather than the perception of self they display to the world around them (Psychology Today, 2022).

Practicing Jungian Psychology

The practice of Jungian Therapy is used for a broad range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, or it may be used generally to determine an individual's purpose and their life direction. There are some widely accepted methods to identify the conscious and subconscious mind, including dream analysis, performing arts therapy, and by word association (Psychology Today, 2022).

At its fundamental level in understanding the purpose of Jungian Psychology, it is essentially used as a form of psychotherapy (or talk therapy,) and can be used as a sole substitute for other therapy or supplemented with conventional forms of therapy.

There are a set of criteria needed to become a practitioner, which includes the completion of two programs, taught concurrently, called “The Jungian Psychotherapy Program and the Jungian Studies Program,” and have licensure as a mental health professional (The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago, 2025).

The Jungian Archetypes

There are twelve Jungian archetypes when psychologically assessed and each archetype provides a deeper comprehension of the individual’s subconscious mind. An archetype, in this context, is defined as a particular mental view that is inherited from the late human ancestors, that shapes our emotional patterns, thought processes, and our behaviors (Copley, 2025).

Of the twelve archetypes, there are four core archetypes:

The Self

An egoless persona of the individual, serving as a luminescent light to light the path for discovering the realization of self and personal transformation.

The Persona

Serves as the aspect of ourselves that we may “mask” or conceal from others, and instead use other behaviors only known of superficially to function in the outside world.

The Shadow

Hidden within the human psyche are a system of behavioral and personality traits that are normally not seen or accessed regularly, and therefore often repressed deeply within our subconscious that it may become difficult to expose.

The Anima/Animus

The equivalent of what is deemed as “twin flames” in mysticism, or what is considered as our masculine and feminine selves. Understanding the anima/animus may transcend societal and social expectations, discovering more profound traits for self-improvement and navigating through life.

The Anima refers to the feminine parts of a man’s personality whereas the Animus refers to the masculine parts of a woman’s personality (Centre of Applied Jungian Studies, 2023).

To uncover your individual Jungian Archetype can also be achieved by taking assessments, many of which can be found online. Although you can find tests to take for free, bear in mind these may not be as accurate as a paid assessment, or a result given by a Jungian practitioner (Copley, 2025). There are a few different options when taking a Jungian Archetype test, which can either be available online or be given by a practitioner.

The Jungian “Shadow” Archetype

The Shadow archetype, that is introduced by Carl Jung, captures the aspects of ourselves that we often reject, resent, or perhaps are not recognized. The Shadow Self has traits about us that are consciously frowned upon, but nonetheless still can be found within our subconscious mind. Our Shadow Self contrasts with our other archetype, The Persona, which can be easily found within our conscious mind (McLeod, 2024).

Our Shadow Self manifests when we project our rejected traits onto yourselves, which serves as a mirror of the aspects of ourselves that we oppose of. To acknowledge, engage, and address our Shadow Self can present as a major challenge, but can be possible with an adequate amount of time practicing Shadow Work, and/or working with a Jungian Therapist (Psychology Today, 2022).

This interplay of the Persona and the Shadow has been previously explored in literature, and a more famously known one is, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” as it highlights the character’s dual natures, hence providing an illustration of Carl Jung’s theory (McLeod, 2024).

Carl Jung’s Psychology Test resonate with another well-known personality assessment, called the “Myers-Briggs Indicator” test, which categorizes people into 16 personality types, with each type represented by four letters (Simkus, 2024).

There are four dichotomies, or core categories in this assessment:

Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)

Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)

Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)

Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)

This assessment can also be found online, with a free version and a paid version. Just like the Jungian Test, the free test results can be inaccurate or use outdated information and therefore should not be solely relied upon if desiring the most objective result based on the most recent credible sources.

You can take the Myers-Briggs test online, which has a free version and a paid version available, on 16Personalities.com. Alternatively, you can access a free Jungian Personality Type assessment at ‘Open Psycho Metrics.’

Summary of Carl Jung’s “Shadow Self”

Carl Jung’s theory of Personality Archetypes offers a profound lens through which we can understand human behavior and the unconscious mind. Among the archetypes, “Shadow" plays a pivotal role. The Shadow represents the repressed or hidden aspects of our psyche—traits, desires, and impulses that society or personal ideals deem unacceptable. Often lurking in the unconscious, the Shadow can influence behavior in subtle and surprising ways, manifesting as fears, projections, or even unacknowledged talents.

Confronting the Shadow is essential for self-awareness and personal growth. Jung believed that integrating the Shadow into our conscious mind leads to individuation, a process of becoming whole and balanced. By acknowledging and embracing our Shadow, we can transcend inner conflicts and unlock deeper layers of authenticity.

In closing, the Shadow reminds us that self-discovery is not just about celebrating our light but also understanding and harmonizing with our inner darkness. It is through this integration that we achieve a fuller sense of self.

Integrating the Shadow Self

Practice Self-Reflection: Set aside time for introspection, journaling, or meditation. Reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, especially those that trigger discomfort or defensive reactions.

Observe Your Projections: Pay attention to traits or behaviors you strongly dislike in others. These reactions can often reveal aspects of your own Shadow that you may be unconsciously avoiding.

Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledge and accept your fears, flaws, and insecurities without judgment. This allows you to face your Shadow with compassion rather than resistance.

Engage in Creative Expression: Art, music, writing, or other creative outlets can provide a safe space to explore and express the hidden parts of your psyche.

Seek Feedback: Trusted friends, family, or mentors can offer insights into blind spots in your personality. Their perspectives may help you see traits you might overlook in yourself.

Work with a Professional: Therapists or counselors trained in Jungian psychology can guide you through Shadow work and help you uncover deeper layers of your unconscious.

Practice Mindfulness: Develop the habit of observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness creates space for deeper awareness and helps you stay present as you explore your Shadow.

Cultivate Curiosity: Approach your Shadow with curiosity rather than fear. Ask yourself what lessons it holds and how it might contribute to your growth.

As you bring your Shadow into the light, you may find hidden strengths, creative energy, and a greater sense of wholeness. Which of these methods resonates with you the most?

View more content on my WordPress website. View on other platforms.

References

Biography. (2023, August 9). Carl Jung. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from Biography: https://www.biography.com/scientists/carl-jung

Centre of Applied Jungian Studies. (2023, February 4). The Archetypes of the Anima and Animus. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from The Centre of Applied Jungian Studies: https://appliedjung.com/the-archetypes-of-the-anima-and-animus/

Copley, L. (2025, April 8). 12 Jungian Archetypes: The Foundation of Personality. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from Positive Psychology: https://positivepsychology.com/jungian-archetypes/

McLeod, S. (2024, January 24). Carl Jung’s Theory of Personality: Archetypes & Collective Unconscious. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from Simply Psychology: https://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-jung.html

Psychologist World. (n.d.). Jungian Archetype Test. Retrieved from Psychologist World: https://www.psychologistworld.com/tests/jung-archetype-quiz

Psychology Today. (2022, December 19). Jungian Therapy. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/jungian-therapy

Simkus, J. (2024, January 29). Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): 16 Personality Types. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from Simply Psychology: There are a few different options when taking a Jungian Archetype test, which can either be available online or be given by a practitioner.

The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago. (2025, March 5). Jungian Psychotherapy Program & Jungian Studies Program. Retrieved from The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago: https://jungchicago.org/blog/training/jungian-psychotherapy-studies-program/

Yuan, L. (2024, April 10). Guide: 12 Different Archetypes as Popularized by the Hero and the Outlaw. Personality Psychology, 1. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from https://personality-psychology.com/guide-12-jungian-archetypes/

[allthegeopolitics]

The first 100% effective HIV prevention drug is approved and going global

An epidemic that's been sustained for 44 years might finally be quelled, with the milestone approval of the first HIV drug that offers 100%

An epidemic that's been sustained for 44 years might finally be quelled, with the milestone approval of the first HIV drug that offers 100% protection with its twice-yearly injections. It's a landmark achievement that stands to save millions of lives across the globe. The makers are also providing affordable access to the drug in the US and beyond, signing royalty-free licensing agreements with six generic manufacturers to produce and supply it. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the novel lenacapavir – sold under the brand name Yeztugo – a class of drugs known as capsid inhibitors, which provide almost 100% protection against HIV infection, which currently affects 1.3 million people every year. In 2024, the journal Science named lenacapavir the Breakthrough Invention of the Year, and we've extensively covered it on its way to market. The pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provides HIV-negative individuals around 99% protection from contracting the devastating virus through sex.

Continue Reading.

[lmxburt]

Introduction

Stanley isn't just a cat to me—he’s a gentle, devoted soul who’s stood by my side through all the ups and downs, filling my days with affection and unconditional love.

Now, faced with the pain of severe stomatitis and advanced periodontal disease, complicated by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Stanley needs a full dental extraction to have a chance at living without daily suffering.

Every dollar raised will directly support Stanley’s medical journey toward a pain-free life. Here's how the contributions will be allocated:

Though the diagnosis is overwhelming, Stanley is the epitome of pure love and devotion.

Every donation will go directly toward his surgery and post-operative care. And even those who can’t donate can lift Stanley up simply by sharing his story.

Stanley’s advanced stomatitis and periodontal disease require the complete removal of his teeth. This includes:

Fund Usage Breakdown

Full Dental Extraction Procedure

- Pre-surgical consultation and diagnostics

- Anesthesia and surgical care

- Medication to manage pain and prevent infection

Post-Operative Care

After surgery, Stanley will need:

- Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication

- Follow-up vet visits to monitor healing

- Nutritional support and possible transition to soft or liquid food

You may donate here.

Please also repost this to boost exposure and help me meet my goal! Thank you for the love and support. 🙏🏻

Video

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Autism and ARFID Eating Disorder

Neurodivergence Lou

[lmxburt]

The Science of the Subconscious

An in-depth overview of Carl Jung’s “Shadow Self”

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." -Carl Jung

Introduction

Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss analytical psychiatrist, developed and introduced the concept of our “Shadow Self,” which provides us the captivating and intriguing idea that there are two aspects of our selves: The conscious side and the subconscious side; the latter which is normally hidden and only may be acknowledged or accessed via the use of specific forms of therapy. He also had advanced the concept of introvert and extravert personalities as well as personality archetypes (Biography, 2023).

Carl Jung also helped develop analytical psychology, commonly termed as “Jungian Psychology” or alternatively, “Jungian Therapy.” It is the study of a comprehensive, analytical form of therapy to distinguish the conscious mind from the subconscious mind, with the objective to gain an immense understanding of the patient’s “real” self, rather than the perception of self they display to the world around them (Psychology Today, 2022).

Practicing Jungian Psychology

The practice of Jungian Therapy is used for a broad range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, or it may be used generally to determine an individual's purpose and their life direction. There are some widely accepted methods to identify the conscious and subconscious mind, including dream analysis, performing arts therapy, and by word association (Psychology Today, 2022).

At its fundamental level in understanding the purpose of Jungian Psychology, it is essentially used as a form of psychotherapy (or talk therapy,) and can be used as a sole substitute for other therapy or supplemented with conventional forms of therapy.

There are a set of criteria needed to become a practitioner, which includes the completion of two programs, taught concurrently, called “The Jungian Psychotherapy Program and the Jungian Studies Program,” and have licensure as a mental health professional (The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago, 2025).

The Jungian Archetypes

There are twelve Jungian archetypes when psychologically assessed and each archetype provides a deeper comprehension of the individual’s subconscious mind. An archetype, in this context, is defined as a particular mental view that is inherited from the late human ancestors, that shapes our emotional patterns, thought processes, and our behaviors (Copley, 2025).

Of the twelve archetypes, there are four core archetypes:

The Self

An egoless persona of the individual, serving as a luminescent light to light the path for discovering the realization of self and personal transformation.

The Persona

Serves as the aspect of ourselves that we may “mask” or conceal from others, and instead use other behaviors only known of superficially to function in the outside world.

The Shadow

Hidden within the human psyche are a system of behavioral and personality traits that are normally not seen or accessed regularly, and therefore often repressed deeply within our subconscious that it may become difficult to expose.

The Anima/Animus

The equivalent of what is deemed as “twin flames” in mysticism, or what is considered as our masculine and feminine selves. Understanding the anima/animus may transcend societal and social expectations, discovering more profound traits for self-improvement and navigating through life.

The Anima refers to the feminine parts of a man’s personality whereas the Animus refers to the masculine parts of a woman’s personality (Centre of Applied Jungian Studies, 2023).

To uncover your individual Jungian Archetype can also be achieved by taking assessments, many of which can be found online. Although you can find tests to take for free, bear in mind these may not be as accurate as a paid assessment, or a result given by a Jungian practitioner (Copley, 2025). There are a few different options when taking a Jungian Archetype test, which can either be available online or be given by a practitioner.

The Jungian “Shadow” Archetype

The Shadow archetype, that is introduced by Carl Jung, captures the aspects of ourselves that we often reject, resent, or perhaps are not recognized. The Shadow Self has traits about us that are consciously frowned upon, but nonetheless still can be found within our subconscious mind. Our Shadow Self contrasts with our other archetype, The Persona, which can be easily found within our conscious mind (McLeod, 2024).

Our Shadow Self manifests when we project our rejected traits onto yourselves, which serves as a mirror of the aspects of ourselves that we oppose of. To acknowledge, engage, and address our Shadow Self can present as a major challenge, but can be possible with an adequate amount of time practicing Shadow Work, and/or working with a Jungian Therapist (Psychology Today, 2022).

This interplay of the Persona and the Shadow has been previously explored in literature, and a more famously known one is, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” as it highlights the character’s dual natures, hence providing an illustration of Carl Jung’s theory (McLeod, 2024).

Carl Jung’s Psychology Test resonate with another well-known personality assessment, called the “Myers-Briggs Indicator” test, which categorizes people into 16 personality types, with each type represented by four letters (Simkus, 2024).

There are four dichotomies, or core categories in this assessment:

Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I)

Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)

Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)

Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)

This assessment can also be found online, with a free version and a paid version. Just like the Jungian Test, the free test results can be inaccurate or use outdated information and therefore should not be solely relied upon if desiring the most objective result based on the most recent credible sources.

You can take the Myers-Briggs test online, which has a free version and a paid version available, on 16Personalities.com. Alternatively, you can access a free Jungian Personality Type assessment at ‘Open Psycho Metrics.’

Summary of Carl Jung’s “Shadow Self”

Carl Jung’s theory of Personality Archetypes offers a profound lens through which we can understand human behavior and the unconscious mind. Among the archetypes, “Shadow" plays a pivotal role. The Shadow represents the repressed or hidden aspects of our psyche—traits, desires, and impulses that society or personal ideals deem unacceptable. Often lurking in the unconscious, the Shadow can influence behavior in subtle and surprising ways, manifesting as fears, projections, or even unacknowledged talents.

Confronting the Shadow is essential for self-awareness and personal growth. Jung believed that integrating the Shadow into our conscious mind leads to individuation, a process of becoming whole and balanced. By acknowledging and embracing our Shadow, we can transcend inner conflicts and unlock deeper layers of authenticity.

In closing, the Shadow reminds us that self-discovery is not just about celebrating our light but also understanding and harmonizing with our inner darkness. It is through this integration that we achieve a fuller sense of self.

Integrating the Shadow Self

Practice Self-Reflection: Set aside time for introspection, journaling, or meditation. Reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, especially those that trigger discomfort or defensive reactions.

Observe Your Projections: Pay attention to traits or behaviors you strongly dislike in others. These reactions can often reveal aspects of your own Shadow that you may be unconsciously avoiding.

Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledge and accept your fears, flaws, and insecurities without judgment. This allows you to face your Shadow with compassion rather than resistance.

Engage in Creative Expression: Art, music, writing, or other creative outlets can provide a safe space to explore and express the hidden parts of your psyche.

Seek Feedback: Trusted friends, family, or mentors can offer insights into blind spots in your personality. Their perspectives may help you see traits you might overlook in yourself.

Work with a Professional: Therapists or counselors trained in Jungian psychology can guide you through Shadow work and help you uncover deeper layers of your unconscious.

Practice Mindfulness: Develop the habit of observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness creates space for deeper awareness and helps you stay present as you explore your Shadow.

Cultivate Curiosity: Approach your Shadow with curiosity rather than fear. Ask yourself what lessons it holds and how it might contribute to your growth.

As you bring your Shadow into the light, you may find hidden strengths, creative energy, and a greater sense of wholeness. Which of these methods resonates with you the most?

View more content on my WordPress website. View on other platforms.

References

Biography. (2023, August 9). Carl Jung. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from Biography: https://www.biography.com/scientists/carl-jung

Centre of Applied Jungian Studies. (2023, February 4). The Archetypes of the Anima and Animus. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from The Centre of Applied Jungian Studies: https://appliedjung.com/the-archetypes-of-the-anima-and-animus/

Copley, L. (2025, April 8). 12 Jungian Archetypes: The Foundation of Personality. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from Positive Psychology: https://positivepsychology.com/jungian-archetypes/

McLeod, S. (2024, January 24). Carl Jung’s Theory of Personality: Archetypes & Collective Unconscious. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from Simply Psychology: https://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-jung.html

Psychologist World. (n.d.). Jungian Archetype Test. Retrieved from Psychologist World: https://www.psychologistworld.com/tests/jung-archetype-quiz

Psychology Today. (2022, December 19). Jungian Therapy. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/jungian-therapy

Simkus, J. (2024, January 29). Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): 16 Personality Types. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from Simply Psychology: There are a few different options when taking a Jungian Archetype test, which can either be available online or be given by a practitioner.

The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago. (2025, March 5). Jungian Psychotherapy Program & Jungian Studies Program. Retrieved from The C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago: https://jungchicago.org/blog/training/jungian-psychotherapy-studies-program/

Yuan, L. (2024, April 10). Guide: 12 Different Archetypes as Popularized by the Hero and the Outlaw. Personality Psychology, 1. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from https://personality-psychology.com/guide-12-jungian-archetypes/

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

ADHD $ Seeking Novelty

Future ADHD

[fibro-memes]

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

What is Alexithymia

Neurodivergent Insights

[thecalminside]

Give up defining yourself - to yourself or to others. You won't die. You will come to life.

-Eckhart Tolle

[deactivated-blog]

30 THOUGHT-PROVOKING QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU BECOME MORE SELF-AWARE

❦ how much self-control do i have with things that i know are bad for me, but tend to indulge in?

❦ how do i respond to someone who is different from me or whose ideals and beliefs i don't agree with or understand?

❦ how do i deal with being misperceived or misunderstood?

❦ how do i respond when someone judges me, makes fun of me, or calls me names?

❦ how do i deal with other people's mistakes and unpleasant behavior?

❦ how do i deal with people who have hurt me in the past?

❦ how do i spend my free time?

❦ how do i deal with negative people?

❦ how do i deal with stressful situations? do i tend to worry a lot? what else do i do?

❦ how do i deal with inconvenient life situations?

❦ how do i respond to situations that i have no control over?

❦ how do i deal with negativity in my environment?

❦ how do i deal with challenges in my life?

❦ how do i respond to situations that force me to get out of my comfort zone?

❦ how motivated am i to change my life for the better?

❦ how much do i follow through on what i preach and talk about?

❦ how do i deal with uncertainty, the unknown or a future event that i have no control over?

❦ how do i respond to obstacles, hardships, and "bad" things that happen in my life?

❦ how do i respond when i don't get what i want?

❦ how fulfilling is my everyday life?

❦ how do i respond to new ideas and new ways of thinking?

❦ how do i respond to bad or inconvenient news?

❦ how do i deal with the violence, hate, and suffering in the world?

❦ how do i recharge, rejuvenate, and replenish my energy?

❦ how much do i prioritize spending time and energy on myself and on my passions?

❦ how do i deal with change? new job, new house, new lifestyle, new people, new rules, new technology...do i tend to avoid it, welcome it, fear it, like it, complain about it, stress out about it, worry about it?

❦ how do i deal with emotional pain?

❦ how do i respond when plans change or plans get cancelled without my say so?

❦ how do i respond when i make a mistake or when i fail at something?

❦  how do i deal with rejection?

[minimalistquotes]

If you can dream with a damaged mind and love with a broken heart, you deserve this world and all of its treasures.

[spiritualsoul1969]

The Paradox of the Mind: The Creator and the Deceiver

"Man ke man ke, sab se accha; mann ke man ke, sab se jhooth."

The mind is the best of all; the mind is the greatest liar.

In Sant Kabir’s wisdom, the mind is described as both "the best" and "the greatest liar." This paradox arises from the mind's dual nature. On the one hand, the mind is an extraordinary tool, capable of creativity, deep thought, and insight. It allows us to connect with higher states of consciousness, process spiritual teachings, and experience love, compassion, and wisdom. In this way, the mind is the most powerful instrument for spiritual growth.

However, the mind is also the greatest deceiver. It is prone to illusions, distractions, desires, and attachments. The mind constantly creates stories—about who we are, what we want, and how the world should be. These stories often pull us away from the truth, leading us into suffering. The ego, which feeds on the mind’s narratives, keeps us trapped in cycles of desire, fear, and dissatisfaction. The mind becomes a liar when it convinces us that happiness and fulfillment lie outside of us—in material things, achievements, or external validation.

The Mind as a Gateway to Liberation

Despite its deceptive nature, the mind also has the potential to become a gateway to spiritual liberation. Sant Kabir’s teaching is not to reject the mind, but to master it. When we become aware of the mind’s tendencies and learn to observe its tricks, we begin to transcend its deceptions. The mind can then be purified and aligned with the higher self.

The mind, when disciplined, can become an ally in our spiritual journey. It can be trained to focus on the present moment, cultivate compassion, and release attachments. By shifting from identification with the mind’s stories to observing them with awareness, we begin to uncover the deeper truth that lies beneath the surface. This is where the mind is "the best," as it becomes a tool for self-realization and inner peace.

The Illusions of the Mind: The Root of Suffering

The mind’s greatest deception lies in its creation of duality—the false notion of separation between the self and the world, between ‘me’ and ‘others.’ This duality leads to judgment, conflict, and suffering. The mind constantly compares, competes, and clings to what it perceives as "good" while rejecting what it perceives as "bad." This attachment to duality traps us in the cycle of samsara, the endless wheel of birth, death, and rebirth.

When we believe in the mind’s illusions, we forget our true nature, which is beyond duality. Our spiritual essence is one with the divine, and it transcends the mind’s limited perceptions. Sant Kabir’s doha reminds us that while the mind can be a powerful tool, it is also the source of our deepest delusions.

Dissolving the Mind’s Deceptions: A Path to Freedom

Sant Kabir’s teachings invite us to go beyond the mind, to witness its workings without becoming entangled in its stories. This is the path of self-awareness, where we observe the mind with detachment and clarity. By doing so, we dissolve the illusions of duality, judgment, and ego, and we reconnect with the deeper truth of oneness and divine presence.

The mind’s duality can only be transcended through awareness. This is why Sant Kabir says that the mind is both the best and the greatest liar—because it contains the potential for both liberation and delusion. The key is not to reject the mind but to master it, to use it as a tool for awakening rather than being deceived by its tricks.

A Practical Toolkit for Mastering the Mind’s Dual Nature

To help you integrate the wisdom of Sant Kabir’s doha into your daily life, here’s a practical toolkit to work with the mind’s dual nature, helping you to master it rather than be mastered by it:

Mindfulness Meditation: Start your day with mindfulness meditation. Sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Observe your thoughts as they arise, without judgment or attachment. This practice helps you become aware of the mind’s stories and learn to watch them from a place of stillness, rather than getting caught in them.

Self-Inquiry: Practice self-inquiry by asking yourself, “Who am I beyond the mind’s stories?” This question allows you to go beyond the surface level of thoughts and connect with your true self, which is not defined by the mind’s illusions. The more you ask this question, the more you dissolve the ego’s grip on your consciousness.

Thought Observation: Throughout the day, observe your thoughts. Whenever a judgmental or negative thought arises, pause and ask yourself, “Is this thought serving me? Or is it deceiving me?” This simple act of questioning helps you recognize the mind’s deceptions and choose thoughts that are aligned with your higher self.

Gratitude Practice: Cultivate gratitude to shift your mind from its tendency to focus on what’s lacking to what’s abundant. Each evening, write down three things you are grateful for. This practice helps retrain the mind to focus on positivity, which dissolves many of its deceptions and cultivates peace.

Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to rewire the mind. Affirmations such as “I am more than my thoughts,” “I am connected to divine truth,” or “I choose peace over illusion” can help align the mind with higher states of consciousness. Repeat these affirmations daily, especially when you feel caught in the mind’s traps.

Detachment Practice: Practice detachment by recognizing that not every thought or feeling needs to be acted upon. Just because the mind presents something to you doesn’t mean it’s true or necessary. Learning to detach from your thoughts and emotions allows you to see them for what they are—temporary and often deceptive.

Acts of Compassion: Perform small acts of compassion for others to dissolve the ego’s sense of separation. When you act selflessly, the mind’s duality weakens, and you begin to experience the interconnectedness of all beings.

Daily Reflection: At the end of each day, reflect on moments when your mind was "the best" and when it was "the greatest liar." Celebrate the moments when you were able to transcend the mind’s illusions and be compassionate with yourself in moments when you got caught in them.

By practicing these tools daily, you will begin to experience a shift in your relationship with the mind. Rather than being a slave to its illusions, you will become its master, using the mind as a tool for spiritual awakening and inner peace. Sant Kabir’s doha reminds us that the mind holds both truth and deception—our task is to recognize both and rise above them to discover our true self.

[thoughtkick]

“as you get older, you realize that you’re not always right and there’s so many things you could’ve handled better, so many situations where you could’ve been kinder and all you can really do is forgive yourself and let your mistakes make you a better person.”

— Unknown

[lmxburt]

Growth does such amazing things. Transformation can be beautiful.

[myhiddenquerencia]

Look at you, Wiping your own tears With the same hands That long to be held

Ayesha Zahra

[thecalminside]

May the stars carry your sadness away,

May the flowers fill your heart with beauty,

May hope forever wipe away your tears,

And, above all, may silence make you strong.

-Chief Dan George

[words-at-night]

[recoveryplace-blog]

Surviving Panic Attacks

How to handle your panic attacks and anxiety attacks, step by step.

Retreat. If you feel phobic, exit the situation until anxiety subsides. Retreat is a temporary leave until you feel better. Escape can reinforce your phobia.

Talk to another person. This helps get your mind off of symptoms and anxious thoughts.

Move around. Dissipates extra energy/adrenaline created by fight-or-flight reaction. Instead of resisting, you move with it.

Stay in the present. Focus on concrete objects around you in your immediate environment. Try actually touching objects.

Engage in a simple repetitive activity.

unwrap and chew gum

count

snap rubber band

sing

wet towel on face

     6. Do something that requires focused concentration.

read a book or magazine

puzzles

knit/sew

write

     7. Express anger. If you can physically express anger rather than just talking, you may be able to stop the panic attack before it blows up.

pound on a pillow or your bed

beat a pillow or cushion with a bat

scream into pillow

     8. Experience something immediately pleasurable.

be held

pleasurable snack/meal

hot shower or bath

     9. Visualize a comforting person/scene.

    10. Practice thought stopping.

take a deep breath then internally or externally say, “Stop”!

replace anxious thoughts with calming and supportive statements (“I am calm. I am strong”).

snap a rubber band or splash cold water to disrupt thoughts

    11. Practice abdominal breathing. Breathe slowly and deeply from your abdomen.

    12. Practice muscle relaxation.

clench fists. Hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat.

tighten/raise shoulders up, hold 10 seconds, release.

    13. Repeat positive coping statements.

    14. Use breathing or relaxation in combination with coping statements.

Source: The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Bourne