In this meditation, we're working with the shadow self. Now the shadow is a side of our personality that we don't like very much. It could be the side when we become angry when we become impatient or insecure things that we're often working on as ourselves. But we try not to show other people because we don't like that side of ourselves very much. That's why it's the shadow. Now, this part of ourselves is combined with the personality aspects that we do like our happy side, our playful side, our conscientious side side that is confident.
These are the things we like other people to see. But it's important to know that all these components make up who we are. However, sometimes the shadow can negatively affect our work environment. So in this meditation, we're looking at how to take some of those components that we don't like, and work with them for a more positive experience, so that they're helping us and not hindering us that comfortable when you're Ready, we will begin this next meditation. Go ahead and find a place where you can sit comfortably, either with your feet planted on the ground or folded underneath you or you may choose to lie down. When you've done so, take a few deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
With each exhale, relax a little deeper. Now when you're ready, I'd like you to picture yourself in a place that you find relaxing. It can be real or imagined, such as a beach or forest In an open field, or even in an empty room free of distractions. Notice what you see and hear and sense. Imagine this place in as much detail as possible. When you're ready, I would like you to invite your various personalities to be present.
In other words, if your various emotions and the parts of yourself that you show other people could come and visit you in form, what would they look like? notice them quietly gathering around you. Then there may be few or hundreds begin to notice are the men or women. Perhaps you notice a few animals in the mix. Or you may even see a form that you can't quite recognize or describe. You may not be able to put a label on any particular aspect of yourself just yet.
For example, you may not know whose playful self or you're responsible so just allow them to gather without giving it too much thought. Just notice what comes up in your mind's eye. In this mix are parts of yourself that you like and ones that you may not like quite so much. These perceived negative sides represent the shadow self Give them just another moment to finish gathering. When you're ready, ask these personalities to gently divided into two groups with positive expressions on one side and negative ones on the other. observe them separating into groups.
There may be more on one side or the other, and this is fine. When everyone is ready to continue, address the shadow side. Ask for a volunteer. There may be many hands raised eager to help Choose one and ask them to step forward. What does he or she or it look like? Ask it.
What is its expression? For example, does it represent anger? Fear, worry. Notice its characteristics. Take a few deep breaths and just observe. Once you have identified its expression, recognize that It first appeared to protect or help you in some way.
Ask it when it first made a presence in your life. For example, if it is anger, can you remember the first time you became angry? Perhaps as a child, what made you angry? And in what way did anger step into help you? Take a moment to notice all the different ways it expressed itself to you in the past. Take a couple of deep breaths.
Notice the various images that are coming forward, the various memories that are surfacing. And when you're ready, once again, address the shadow and ask how is it affecting you in the present How is it affecting your work and your relationships with those you work with? Listen without judgment, as it tells you. allow any thoughts emotions to surface without judgment. Now, thanks personality for being there when you needed it. You're ready to give it a new assignment.
Can you redirect its expression. For example, if you are sarcastic with others at work, because you feel insecure and inadequate. Take this personality, this insecure personality and give it the task of building People up and becoming an expression of confidence. In this case, you would honor it and remind it that it has worth just as you have worth and every time it seeks to be sarcastic may it pause and think of kinder, better way. This is just one example. Take a moment to consider what new assignment you would give to this personality.
After a moment, notice how the personality accepts this assignment. How does its demeanor change? Does it look different? invited to rejoin the group If it's new task now, take a moment to thank the group. All of the personalities good and bad, which are there to assist you through like and work. When you're ready, allow these personalities to fade into the background.
Slowly bring yourself back to the present and open your eyes whenever you're ready.