31 Powerful Shadow Work Prompts for Self-Discovery: What Is Shadow Work and How to Start
Shadow work is an introspective practice that works on going into the unconscious parts of our mind and identity. Specifically focusing on what we are suppressing or ignoring. It originates from Jungian psychology, Carl Jung a Swiss psychiatrist introduced the “shadow” as the collection of repressed aspects of the personality that one might not be aware of. Practicing shadow work involves exploring fears, insecurities, and traumas from our past with patience, kindness, and curiosity. It can sound quite lofty but there are plenty of simple ways to implement it in your life. It can start with just working on self-awareness, and taking the time to reflect on your emotions and behavioral patterns. The most common medium for shadow work is journaling. It is important to approach these parts of yourself with grace and understanding, not judgment, this is a healing process not a punishment for your past experiences. At times it might seem difficult but it can be so beneficial for healing your relationship with yourself and allowing for more meaningful relationships with the people in your life.
Here are 31 shadow work journal prompts to guide your practice. Try responding to one of these each day for a full month and see if you notice any growth within yourself.
How did my family handle conflicts when I was growing up? Is it similar or different to how I approach conflict today?
How did my family express love and affection, how does this impact my relationships?
What is your first childhood memory of self-doubt?
What's the biggest lie I have ever told?
What am I most ashamed of others finding out about myself?
What does happiness mean to me?
Who was the first person who made you feel insecure?
What was my relationship like with my siblings, and how are they today?
What do I judge others harshly for?
What role did I play in my family dynamic?
How do I react to criticism?
How do I most often numb myself from emotions I don’t want to feel?
What are some things you need to forgive yourself for?
How did my family’s financial situation and relationship with money influence my current behaviors regarding money?
What are things I would like to change about myself?
When was the last time I felt hurt by someone?
When I feel vulnerable how do I respond to that feeling?
What is my earlier memory of feeling misunderstood by my family?
What areas of my life do I feel the most stuck?
Do I downplay or celebrate my achievements?
How do I self-sabotage?
What aspects of my personality do I try to reject?
What are my most common methods of self-defense?
What messages did I internalize from my parents during my childhood?
Am I comfortable setting boundaries, and am I good at enforcing them?
How do I perceive and express my anger?
How does perfectionism affect my well-being?
How do I react to uncertainty in my life?
How do I perceive and react to conflict?
What fears do I have about aging?
How do I react to feelings of boredom?
Further Reading:
On Jung and the psychology of the Shadow: https://www.thesap.org.uk/articles-on-jungian-psychology-2/about-analysis-and-therapy/the-shadow/