S2E9: Shadow Work 101: What It Is & How to Do It (Guided Practice)

Shadow work isn’t “fixing yourself.” It’s creating a safe space to hear the parts you’ve been hiding. In this episode, I break it down clearly, guide you through a short practice, and cover the most common mistakes (plus the fool-proof way to avoid them).What you’ll learnShadow = the parts you learned to hide (feelings, needs, traits, memories). Shadow work = the process of exploring these hidden parts Healing with shadow work = increasing your capacity, allowing the unconscious to become conscious, so your shadows don't rule your life. -How to know it’s time: triggers, spikes of judgment, judgment, and numbing as doorways.-A 10-minute guided experience with follow-up journaling prompts.-The most common mistakes (toxic positivity, forcing the box open, turning shadow work into a scavenger hunt) and how to never make them.Guided practice recap (save this)Notice one body cue (tight chest, hot face, heavy gut).Invite with consent: “I won’t force a solution. I’m here to listen.” Ask: What is this hidden part trying to protect in me?Experiment (smallest next step): one honest sentence, one gentler ask, one slower tempo, one boundary you can tolerate today.Journaling prompts (do this immediately after guided meditation):1. What situation did you analyze? (triggered? judgement? numbing? event)2. Where did I feel it in my body (0–10)?3. First thoughts/ideas I noticed that the shadow shared? 4. Did you imagine a younger version of yourself? What did they say? 5. After thanking your shadow for sharing, did the intensity in my body (question #2) change? What is the new intensity (0–10)Share your story (I might feature it)Email: [email protected] me: what you were hiding, what it thought it was protecting, the smallest experiment you tried, and what power showed up (clarity, steadier voice, kinder boundary).Safety notePlease don’t do the practice while driving or multitasking. If your intensity rises above 7/10 or trauma memories/self-harm thoughts surface, pause and work with a licensed therapist. Shadow work should be tolerable, not re-traumatizing.If this helped, subscribe and share it with someone who’s ready to do real inner work—no toxic positivity, just honest calibration.I Am Lyrical Journey: Go to www.kelseymiles.com/100daysShoutout to my Patreon members www.patreon.com/kelseymileswho support all of my creative endeavorsConnect with Kelsey:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mileskels/​​​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mileskels/​​​https://kelseymiles.com​​