Psychologists have been using shadow work journaling as a way to help patients process and heal from trauma for years.
It is only recently that this type of therapy has become more mainstream.
There are many different ways to do shadow work journaling, but the basic premise is the same: You write down your thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event in order to process it and move on.
There are many different shadow work prompts that you can use, but some of the most common ones are:
“What happened?”
“How did I feel in the moment?”
“How do I feel about it now?”
“What would I have done differently
The best shadow work prompts for trauma are those that make you feel uncomfortable. It is only through facing our fears and traumas that we can begin to heal them.
Some shadow work prompts for trauma may include:
“What is my biggest fear?”
“What are the triggers that make me angry?”
“What have I been most embarrassed about?”
“Who am I really mad at
“Who am I really mad at and why do they deserve it?”
Remember that you are not alone in your shadow work. Many people have gone through similar experiences and have come out the other side stronger for it.
If you feel like you are stuck, reach out to a therapist or counselor who can help guide you through your shadow work.
Benefits of Shadow Work Journaling
There are many benefits to shadow work journaling, both for the individual and for society as a whole.
Some of the most common benefits include:
Understanding your anger triggers and how to deal with them
Forgiving yourself and others
Healing old wounds
Letting go of things that no longer serve you
Bringing positive change into your life
Shadow work journaling can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. If you are ready to face your shadows, then I encourage you to start journaling today. Journaling is a great way to get in touch with your shadows. It allows you to process difficult emotions in a safe and healthy way.
If you are not sure where to start, there are many shadow work prompts available online. You can also find shadow work journals at most bookstores.
How to Start Shadow Work Journaling
Now that you know what shadow work journaling is and some of the benefits, you may be wondering how to get started.
Here are a few tips:
Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. This can be hard if you have children or a busy lifestyle, but it is important to find at least 30 minutes each day where you can be alone with your thoughts.
Start with one prompt at a time. You do not have to answer every single shadow work prompt in one sitting. In fact, it is often helpful to focus on one question at a time.
Be honest with yourself. The whole point of shadow work journaling is to get in touch with your authentic self. This means that you need to be honest, even if it is painful.
Do not judge yourself. One of the most important things to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to do shadow work journaling. You are the only one who can decide what is best for you.
Be patient. Healing takes time and there is no rush. Take your time with each prompt and trust that the process will work in its own time.
Conclusion
Shadow work is an important part of the healing process. It is only through facing our fears and traumas that we can begin to heal them. No one is perfect and we all have shadows that we need to work on.