11. Shadows

 
 

creative self-care

Considering aspects of ourselves that may be hidden.

 
 

The shadow self refers to the parts of yourself—whether personality traits, emotions, or thoughts—that are difficult to accept. It’s often the part of the psyche that people keep hidden, yet can influence decisions and opinions without you even realizing it.

In Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, she similarly refers to a shadow artist. She writes, ‘shadow artists often chose shadow careers — those close to the desired art, even parallel to it, but not the art itself.’

This poses the question, has your shadow self concealed your true creative spirit?

 

PONDER

One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.

⎯ CARL JUNG

MORNING ritual

Consider the question posed above and listen to the creative visualization meditation below from this month’s contributor and energy worker, Maxine Dillon. After the meditation, turn to a page in your journal or sketchbook and respond to the following questions:

01. How may your shadow self conceal your creative spirit?

02. Sometimes we find ourselves waiting at the door to our dreams, yet we never step inside. How has this rang true in your life?

03. What excuses do you make in life to bolster your shadow self? (this may be unintentional or subconscious).

Maxine Dillon founded her creative coaching practice, Blue Star Guidance, as a haven for female artists and creative professionals who want to expand into a truly authentic expression of their work so they can feel an aligned sense of purpose and success in their careers. . Visit her website and schedule a complimentary Creative Call to learn more about her offerings. 

 
 

monthly therapeutic activity: SHadow tracing

The therapeutic activity below is a simple art-making experience that is meant to be easy and fun. It can drop you into The Flow state of mind, resulting in relaxation and joy. Try not to judge how perfectly you trace the object. Focus on the benefits of the creative process.
Materials: Sketchbook, drawing/painting tools such as watercolor + paintbrush, sharpie or soft graphite pencil.

  1. When the sun is high in the sky, set up a creative space outside.

  2. Find a unique object that speaks to you in the moment. Choose something that is an interesting shape. This could be found in nature or around your house.

  3. Select a page in your sketchbook to work from and set the object nearby so it casts a shadow on the page. This may require you to hold the object or hang it temporarily.

  4. With your chosen tool, trace the shadow that’s being cast. Ignore the impulse to be perfect. Notice the subtleties in how you are being guided by the shadow. Allow yourself to become immersed in this practice.

  5. Try the activity several times, using different objects to cast a shadow. Reflect on your experience on an adjacent page in your sketchbook.

 
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Cassavetes’ Shadows illustrates the concept of the shadow self through independent film ahead of it’s time.

Anne Truitt journals on the different stages of the creative spirit and the rare workings of a creative mind in Yield: The Journal of an Artist.

Kumi Yamashita is an incredible working artist who creates art sculptures that incorporate the use of light and shadow.

 

Laina Miller is an Artist, Creative Wellness Consultant, and Social Emotional Arts Instructor. All viewpoints, activities, and insights expressed were generated from personal and professional experience and bolstered by favorite readings, teachers, and mentors. The aforementioned have been cited wherever possible. For additional support, please reach out to a trusted mental health advisor.

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