Lesson 3 of 6

Part 2: Archetypes & the Many Parts of You

In the first workshop, we discovered the basics of shadow work for personal growth. Now, we dive a bit deeper and look at what we can gain by exploring ancient archetypes, parts work & an intense form of meditation.

Writing Exercise

The prompts for the writing exercise we previewed in this workshop are the following:

1. Starting point: a bad habit or character trait.
Think of something you would like to change about yourself. Compulsive behavior, problematic habits or character traits like frequent anger or irritability are good starting points for this work.

2. What part of me takes over when I behave like this? Can I see this part? Does it have a name?
Try to identify and personify the part of you that does this behavior or has this negative trait. E.g. the angry part of you, the part of you that emotionally shuts down or whatever it is in your case.

3. What does this part of me want? What does it need? Is there something it has to tell me?
Try to visualize this part of you sitting opposite you. Ask it what it wants, what it wants you to know, what it needs.

4. In what way does this part of me serve me? In what way does my negative behavior serve me (in the present or in the past)?
Even the most irrational seeming behavior often has a rational origin. Even parts we feel in great conflict with often want to help us in some (perhaps misguided) way. Explore this in writing.

5. What do I want to say to this part of me?
If this part can hear you, what do you have to say to it? Consider giving it some reassurance and acceptance and perhaps patiently explaining how things are different now than they used to be. See if you can strike a bargain with this part of you.

Meditation Exercise

The meditation practice is best done in a “hot” emotional state. When something upsets you, saddens you, makes you feel angry or resentful… any strong emotion is a good starting point.

  • Close your eyes and focus on the physical sensation of the emotion in your body.
  • Where in your body is it located? Does it have a shape, a size, a texture?
  • Pay attention to the physical sensations as closely as you can, without judging it, without trying to grasp it, change it or chase it away. Simply be aware of what is happening in your body.
  • You may find that the physical sensation changes and moves, as you observe it. It may change in intensity or start wandering to a different area of your body. Simply observe as this happens, without resisting or trying to encourage the change.
  • When you feel ready, bring your attention back to your breath and then open your eyes again. If you feel highly agitated, take a few deep, slow breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

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