{"id":5740,"date":"2021-11-06T17:20:53","date_gmt":"2021-11-06T17:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/?p=5740"},"modified":"2023-01-09T13:08:18","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T13:08:18","slug":"best-books-shadow-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/best-books-shadow-work\/","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Best Books on Shadow Work to Unlock Your Subconscious Self"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the field of analytical psychology, the shadow is an unconscious aspect of our conscious ego which is deeply repressed.

It represents the darkness<\/a> which is inherent in human nature, and which we bury deep within ourselves because we are obliged to do so in order to abide by societal, cultural and religious norms and values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This intriguing and fascinating concept was explored extensively by the influential psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung, and since then countless writers have elaborated upon his writings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following books are excellent explorations of not only what the shadow is and how it affects us, but how we may implement shadow work to bring meaningful fulfilment and authenticity to our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Best Books on Shadow Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Owning Your Own Shadow: Understanding the Dark Side of the Psyche by Robert A. Johnson<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Reflective and contemplative, this book is an intriguing exploration of the unconscious mind. It is based on the works of Carl Jung, who essentially founded the school of analytical psychology. The concept of \u2018Shadow\u2019<\/a> from Jung\u2019s perspective is that part of our ego, or our unconsciousness, which we have repressed, denied or we are simply unaware of. The author builds on this concept extensively, and the premise of this book is that if we ignore the presence of our shadow then it will be expressed or projected in potentially harmful and destructive ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He then goes on to advise that we have to reconcile our conscious and unconscious, by embracing our shadow and recognising that it is an integral part of us. There is also a fascinating dialogue on society and religion, and how these influences encourage us to hide our shadow and conform in a way which is considered normative and acceptable. The author argues that the only way to attain authenticity and become the most whole version of ourselves is to acknowledge that we have a darker side, our shadow, and then bring it to our consciousness so that we can learn how to process its inclinations and nuances effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there is to be one critique of this book, it is that there is a heavy emphasis on Christian theology, at the expense of a more universal perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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