The ego is also often misunderstood, just as the shadow can be in the spiritual & personal development realms.... and a client asked me to clarify the difference. 1. **Ego is Synonymous with Selfishness:** Contrary to this belief, the ego encompasses both self-centered and selfless qualities, serving as a mediator and sort of gatekeeper between the conscious and unconscious. 2. **Ego is the Core of Identity:** The ego is just one aspect of the broader self; identity is more complex an[...]
"Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people." ~ Carl Jung When I speak of darkness, I refer to various experiences and psychological states such as unexplored recesses of the unconscious mind, repressed emotions, hidden desires, and the shadow—the aspects of ourselves we deny. Darkness is a realm of potential, harboring both creative energy and psychological wounds. It serves as a mirror, reflecting the hidden dynamics that influence our[...]
1. **The Shadow is Only Negative:** Contrary to this belief, the shadow encompasses both negative and positive aspects of the unconscious, including hidden talents and unexpressed potentials. 2. **Shadow is Purely Personal:** The shadow is not solely composed of personal experiences; it also contains collective and archetypal elements shared by humanity. 3. **Conquering the Shadow Means Eliminating It:** The goal isn't to eliminate the shadow but to continuously integrate the aspects[...]