146 - Why We Fear Our Own Power: A Conversation About Shadow Work with Melanie Ryan

What if the parts of you you've been hiding - even from yourself - are actually your greatest source of power?In this illuminating conversation, host Elizabeth Mintun sits down with Melanie Ryan, psychotherapist, Buddhist teacher, shamanic practitioner, and creator of the Golden Shadow Method. Melanie explores how the unconscious holds not just our wounds, but also our greatest gifts, and how ancient wisdom traditions can guide us back to the light of our own true nature.Melanie shares her remarkable journey from conventional psychotherapist to weaving together Carl Jung, Tibetan Buddhism, and shamanism into a transformative healing path. Together, Elizabeth and Melanie explore why we are so often more afraid of our own power than our pain, how shadow work can help us reclaim hidden parts of ourselves, and why our triggers (both dark and golden) are actually allies pointing us toward healing. Whether you are deep in your own healing journey or simply curious about what lies beneath the surface, this conversation offers profound insight into the ancient wisdom that has always known: you are already good.Key TakeawaysThe shadow holds your golden gifts, talents, and power too.Basic goodness is your true nature; the work is removing what covers it.Your triggers are teachers, not enemies - they point directly to where healing wants to happen.Play and creativity are essential doorways into the golden shadowAncient wisdom traditions - Jung, Buddhism, shamanism - all point to the same truth: we are not separate from loveResourcesMelanie's Website: goldenshadowmethod.comNewsletter & Ancient Wisdom Today: ancientwisdomtoday.comMelanie on Instagram & Facebook: @golden.shadow.method  Melanie's upcoming retreat The Golden Shadow Method at The Omega Institute, New York:https://www.eomega.org/workshops/golden-shadow-methodThe Sacred Pause Half-Day Retreat in Clintonville (Columbus, OH): 📅 Saturday July 18th | 9:30 AM –2:30 PM EST 👉 Register for here Free Guided Meditation: https://thecalmingground.com/free-guided-meditationEmail Elizabeth at [email protected] more about 1:1 Coaching with Elizabeth Mintun here Find Elizabeth on Facebook & IG @thecalminggroundSubscribe to The Calming Ground Podcast so you never miss an episode. If you loved this conversation, please share it with a friend