Let’s Meet the Shadow
I hope you are all doing well over there, experiencing joy and likely the opposite of that from time to time as well. Remember, it's perfectly ok and VITAL to experience all the things- they all play a role in the healing that is necessary at this time. So, be gentle with yourself and know that I am hugging you all hard Here are some little conversation starters for you, you and your higher self, you and your partner.. Whatever you are called to.
Here are some take aways for me in the first couple of chapters, I hope you enjoy!
To Connect with Your Children, First Connect with Yourself (Chapter 1, pg.6)
"If you want to enter into a state of pure connection with your child, you can achieve this by setting aside any sense of superiority. By not hiding behind an egoic image, you will be able to engage your child as a real person like yourself."
-Where in our relationships with our children are we projecting a superior demeanor?
-Where can we establish more of a partnership with our children and equalize the playing field in our families?
-Where can we allow ourselves to step off our pedestals of dominance?
How Can a Child Awaken an Adult? (Chapter 2, pg.15)
"A certain child enters our life with its individual troubles, difficulties, stubbornness, and temperamental challenges in order to help us become aware of how much we have yet to grow." Dr. Shefali shares the story of Jessica and her mother Anya on page 16: "The only way we could unlock the unconsciousness that Anya's daughter triggered in her was by revisiting her past, in particular her family of origin...How can we guide, protect, and provide for our children in the physical world, yet rigorously relinquish all sense of domination of their spirit, unless we have nurtured a free spirit within ourselves?"
This is our work as the adults in your children's lives. This can be a difficult and painful experience for us to reflect on. Please know that you are held and it is safe to explore and be curious about your past.
-What are some of your own wounds from your childhood?
-When was the first time you felt that wound or shadow side of yourself?
-Sit with each one (list below) for a moment and observe what emotions arise when you say them to yourself. Where do you feel it in your body?
Remember that no emotions are bad, our bodies reaction to these are our invitation and portal into determining our wounds and fears, ultimately opening the door to our healing....
Abandonment, Rejection, Shame, Guilt, Jealousy, Envy, Rage, Worthiness, I am not good enough, I am unlovable, My feelings are not valid, I must take care of everyone around me
-Go back to a time in our life when we felt most vulnerable. Who was there? What did you feel? Sit with this for a moment and take in any messages that come through...
-Where can we nurture ourselves more, cultivating more of a free spirit within us?
"Unless we consciously integrate the unintegrated aspects of our childhood, they never leave us but repeatedly reincarnate themselves in our present, then show up all over again in our children."
I am with you all, you are not alone. I am grateful and truly honored to do this work with you at this time!
With so much love,
Alyssa
