Triggered To the Bone: 3 Lessons In Shadow Work

“The moment you allow both sides and not just one side that you prefer, but also the opposite, the polarity – a third energy can come up.” – Sacha Steuns

We are still reveling in the beauty and power of our first ever Shadow & Grace Masterclass, Unwrapping Your Shadow. We explored the transformative power of shadow work amidst the seasonal highs and lows. We hope you’ll enjoy this blog post with some of our favorite quotes and takeaways from the event.

1. “If it inspires you, it's important. If it inspires you, it's important. If it inspires you, it's important!” 

In the masterclass, I shared the analogy of two guitars to illustrate the concept of resonance and its connection to personal growth. 

When you pluck the string of one guitar, did you know what happens to that same string on the guitar? It starts to vibrate at the same tone, imperceptibly. That's the law of vibration.

Pay attention to what inspires you, as it indicates a resonance within you that holds potential for learning and growth. Triggers are a vibration too, because if you didn’t resonate with something, it couldn’t trigger you! Trust your intuition when something resonates with you, as it can be a valuable tool for self-discovery and expansion. 

2. “We can recognize dark, because we know light.” 

We constantly navigate this polarity, and shadow work equips us with the grace to dance it beautifully. "The moment you allow both sides, a third energy can come up." This harmonious blend, where light and shadow intertwine, is the source of true wholeness and empowerment.

And just like your period isn't something to simply endure, but a powerful cycle offering insights into your body and mind, shadow work invites us to explore our triggers with curiosity and compassion. It's not about suppression or denial; it's about understanding the hidden messages lurking beneath the surface.

3. “I love spending time with family, AND it triggers me to the bone.”

The holidays, a double-edged sword. They can be filled with family warmth and delicious feasts, but they're also notorious for triggering those deepest shadows. 

This isn't a personal – or familial – failing, but an invitation. The annual traditions can activate old expectations and roles, whisking us back to childhood selves. It's no wonder old wounds resurface. 

Birthdays, family gatherings, even cheering for your kid at soccer practice – these seemingly lighthearted moments can trigger familiar thoughts, old beliefs about ourselves, and behaviors we thought we'd left behind. It's not just the setting; it's the invisible web of expectations, assumptions, and unspoken dynamics that bind us to others. These encounters hum with a subtle energy, influencing us both consciously and unconsciously.

This energy affects everyone involved – whether they’re aware of it or not, they're feeling it too!

So what if, instead of relying on old scripts, we opened ourselves to "not knowing" in these encounters? Imagine ditching default responses and opening ourselves to fresh possibilities.

That's a journey for another day, but for now, simply acknowledge how easily we fall back into old patterns. There's nothing wrong with that, you're not doing anything wrong... there's no blame, just an invitation to watch and recognize. Often, this simple awareness is the catalyst for transformation or integration. And if you need a gentle nudge towards that transformation, well, welcome to Shadow & Grace ;-)

So what’s next?

Take our invitation to heart: Dive into the world of shadow work, not with fear, but with an open mind and a willing heart. 

We hope you’ll join us for our next Shadow Work Masterclass on January 15th celebrating the “saddest day of the year,” Blue Monday. If you’re ready to join us, please register here. Learn more about the event here.