In 1923, Freud theorised that the human psyche is comprised of three parts: the Id, the Ego, and the Superego. Jung’s Shadow archetype is often likened to Sigmund Freud’s theory on the Id. These archetypes are defined as universal, primal symbols and images that derive from the collective unconscious. The Shadow is one of main archetypes that Swiss psychologist, Carl Jung, focused on the most, along with the Self, the Persona, and the Anima/Animus. Your shadow self is the side of you that you tend to hide from others and keep out of sight, hence the name. The term ‘shadow work’ refers to the practice of working through and learning to forgive your shadow self. Knowing where to start can be tricky though – I totally get that, which is why using journal prompts to get started can be really helpful. Shadow work has totally changed my mindset and improved my mental health. Shadow work journal prompts are an amazing way for beginners to improve self-awareness and work through past traumas, events, and emotions, as well to get to know themselves as human beings much better.ĭiscovering and exploring your shadow self so that you can learn self-acceptance, boundaries, and healthy coping mechanisms is a form of self-care in itself and, to be completely honest, it’s been completely life-changing for me.

Into the wild shadow work journal pdf