December 20, 2024 • 26 mins
50 Shadow Journal Prompts
Unlock the secrets of your hidden self and transform your life with confidence and clarity. What if the parts of yourself that you've kept hidden could actually be the keys to your greatest strengths? Join us as we welcome Claire Penrose, the insightful author behind 50 shadow journal prompts, on a provocative exploration of the shadow self. Picture your deepest fears and insecurities as the unseen depths of an iceberg, silently steering your actions. This episode promises to guide you through a transformative journey of self-discovery, helping you break free from the constraints of limiting beliefs.
We'll tackle tough questions about how past wounds, like bullying and betrayal, shape our present behaviors and beliefs. With Claire's guidance, we examine these painful memories not to dwell, but to understand and liberate ourselves from self-limiting patterns. The conversation highlights the healing power of forgiveness and the importance of self-compassion in this process. As we peel back layers of our experiences, we'll also recognize and interpret our emotional triggers, fostering a greater self-awareness that paves the way for personal transformation.
Finally, we'll challenge you to embrace your inner shadows with courage and curiosity. By scrutinizing our emotional reactions and reframing perceived negative traits, we uncover hidden talents and strengths that contribute to a more authentic self. Our discussion urges you to confront and integrate these facets, leading to a more fulfilling life. As we conclude, we encourage you to continue this exploration, affirming your worthiness of love and acceptance in every aspect of yourself. Listen in and start your journey toward shining with confidence and self-acceptance.
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, welcome back.
Today we're going to be doing adeep dive.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Into something.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Oh, this is going to be good.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Yeah, I'm excited about this one, so you guys
share this with us.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yeah, this is a popular one.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Claire Penrose's blog post on Lestallion 50 shadow
journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
And we are going to unpack these prompts.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Yeah, so get ready for a journey of self-discovery,
because these prompts are likekeys, unlocking those hidden
rooms within ourselves.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Oh, I like that.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Yeah, I like that analogy a lot.
What's cool about this deepdive is we're not just skimming
the surface here.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
No no.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
We're really going deep.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
We're going deep.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
We're using these prompts to explore the often
avoided aspects of ourpersonalities.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Those lurking shadows that can hold us back if we let
them.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Yeah.
So for those who might be newto this concept, how would you
describe the shadow self?
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Oh, shadow self.
It's a good question.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
In a way that makes sense, even if you've never
heard the term before.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Even if you've never heard the term before.
Even if you've never heard it.
Okay, so imagine an iceberg.
Okay, right, you see the tipabove the water.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
But there's this massive hidden part beneath the
surface.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
That's kind of like our shadow self.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
It holds all the parts of ourselves we've pushed
down, yeah, or gamedunacceptable, right, you know
those fears and securities, yeah, or even desires that we've
learned to hide?
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Yeah, and why would we want to explore these hidden
depths?
It seems like some people mightfind that a bit well scary.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
You're right, it can be daunting.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
But think of it like this If we ignore those hidden
parts, Okay.
They can control us in ways wedon't even realize Right.
They can sabotage ourrelationships, hold us back from
pursuing our dreams or keep usstuck in unhealthy patterns.
That's doing good.
But if we shine a light on themthrough these journal prompts,
we can understand them,integrate them and ultimately
(02:02):
become more whole and authenticversions of ourselves.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
It's like facing your fears.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Yeah, like facing your fears, Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
That makes a lot of sense.
So how does Clara Penroseapproach this in her blog post?
Does she just give us a list of50 random prompts?
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Not at all.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
No.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
No, she's very thoughtful about it.
She's thoughtfully grouped theprompts into categories.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Oh good.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Which is incredibly helpful because it allows us to
explore different aspects of ourshadow selves in a structured
way.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Oh, that's nice.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
All right, let's jump into the first category.
Okay, what's the first shadowrealm we're exploring today?
Speaker 2 (02:36):
The one that often feels the most immediate and
relatable.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Facing fears and insecurities.
Ooh, these prompts are like aspotlight, shining directly on
the things that hold us back,those whispers of doubt that can
really limit our potential.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Okay, give me an example of a prompt from this
category.
That really packs a punch.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
How about this one?
Reflect on a fear that holdsyou back in life.
Describe where you think itcomes from and how it affects
your choices.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Whoa, that's going straight to the heart of it.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Right to the heart of it.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
This isn't just about naming the fear.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
No.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
It's about understanding its origins and
its impact on our lives.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Right, absolutely.
Think about those times you'vehesitated.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
To take a chance.
Speak your truth.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Or go after what you truly desire.
Often there's a fear lurkingbeneath the surface, yeah,
dictating your decisions withoutyou even realizing it.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Oh, sneaky.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Sneaky little shadow.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
This prompt encourages you to investigate
that fear.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Trace it back to its roots.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
And consider how it might be limiting your choices.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Makes me think about the times I've stayed in my
comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Even when I knew deep down I wanted something more.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
That fear of failure, of not being good enough, could
be so paralyzing.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
So paralyzing, but if you can identify it, Right.
Maybe you can start tochallenge it.
Yeah, and break free.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Break free.
From that comfort zone, rightFrom that comfort zone, from
that fear, yeah, what'sfascinating here is that often
these fears stem from pastexperiences, maybe from
childhood or from a previousrelationship.
Exactly by understanding wherethe fear originated, you can
start to see it in a new lightand gain a sense of control over
(04:21):
it.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Totally A new perspective can be so powerful I
can already see how powerfulthis could be for our listener.
I know me too.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Just sitting down with a journal.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
And really diving into that one prompt.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
Could lead to some major breakthroughs.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Absolutely Some major aha moments Right For sure.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Okay, let's move on to another prompt.
Dig it from this facing fearsand insecurities category.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
All right.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
What else did Clara Penrose include?
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Let's see.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
That might be particularly helpful for our
listener.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
This next one really resonated with me.
Okay, think about a situationwhere you felt intense
insecurity.
What triggered those feelingsand how do they still impact you
?
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Okay, so this one seems to be about getting really
specific.
We're not just talking aboutgeneral feelings of insecurity.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Right.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
We're actually pinpointing a particular
situation that brought thosefeelings to the surface.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
It's like using a magnifying glass.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
To examine those moments where our insecurities
flared up.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
What were the circumstances?
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Who was?
Speaker 2 (05:24):
involved.
What thoughts and beliefs wererunning through our minds at the
time?
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It's like detective work for your own emotions.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
I love that analogy.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
And by exploring the details of that specific
situation, you might uncoverpatterns or triggers that you
hadn't noticed before that youdidn't even realize.
Yeah, you weren't even aware of.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
For example, maybe you realize that every time you
receive a compliment, youimmediately deflect it or
downplay your achievements.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:51):
This prompt could help you understand why you do
that and what deeper insecuritymight be driving that behavior
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
And it also encourages you to consider the
lasting impact of thatexperience?
Are you still carrying thoseinsecurities with you, even if
the situation itself is longgone?
Speaker 1 (06:11):
Even if it's ancient history.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Ancient history.
How are those old woundsinfluencing your current
thoughts, feelings and behaviors?
Speaker 1 (06:20):
It's incredible how much our past can shape our
present.
Isn't it?
Isn't it?
It really is, but the past canshape our present Isn't.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
it Isn't it, it really is.
But the good news is, once webring those shadows into the
light of awareness, we can startto heal them and break free
from their grip.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Okay, before we move on to the next category, let's
explore one more prompt thatcaught my eye from this facing
fears and insecurity section.
Okay, it's this one.
Describe a habit or behaviorthat you're afraid others might
judge.
Why is this part of youdifficult to share?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Ah yes, this one goes straight to the heart of shame
and vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
It's about those little quirks, those
idiosyncrasies, that we keephidden because we fear judgment
or rejection.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
It's like we all have this secret closet full of
things we don't want anyone tosee, right.
But what if and this is just athought what if those flaws are
actually what make us unique andinteresting?
Speaker 2 (07:14):
That's a brilliant question, and it challenges us
to ask why are we so afraid ofjudgment?
What stories are we tellingourselves about what others will
think, and are those storieseven true?
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Are we making it up?
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Yeah, we might be.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
This prompt could be a real eye opener for our
listener.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
It encourages them to not only identify those hidden
parts, but also to explore thereasons behind their concealment
.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
It's like going deeper.
Yeah, peeling back those layers.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Exactly, and to consider what might happen, yeah
, if they actually embrace thoseparts of themselves instead of
hiding them.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
What if, instead of being sources of shame yeah,
those hidden habits or behaviorsbecame sources of strength, or
even inspiration?
Speaker 1 (08:00):
It's almost like we're flipping the script on
what's acceptable and what's not.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
We're reclaiming those parts of ourselves that
society might have deemed weirdor unworthy and saying hey, this
is part of who I am and it's OK.
I love that.
(08:25):
That's powerful, and that's apowerful step towards
self-acceptance which, as ClaraPenrose so eloquently puts it in
her blog post, is a doorway tofreedom and authenticity.
I love that, and it's a perfectsegue into our next category of
prompts, which focuses on Ican't wait, this is going to be
good.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Uncovering past wounds and memories.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
This category takes us deeper into the
archaeological dig of our ownlives, exploring how those past
experiences, particularly thepainful ones, might still be
shaping who we are today.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Okay, I'm getting a sense that this category could
be pretty intense.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Yeah, it can be.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Is it really healthy to dwell on past hurts?
Speaker 2 (08:56):
That's a great question.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And it's important to approach this category with a
sense of self-compassion.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
The goal isn't to wallow in pain or blame
ourselves or others, but ratherto understand how those
experiences might still beinfluencing our thoughts,
feelings and behaviors in thepresent.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
So it's less about dwelling and more about
understanding.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Exactly.
It's like those old sayingsthose who cannot remember the
past are condemned to repeat it,or history repeats itself.
By understanding the past, wecan break free from those
repetitive cycles.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
Okay, I'm starting to see how this ties into shadow
work.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Give me a prompt from this category that really
illustrates this idea.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Of understanding the past to break free from negative
patterns.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
How about this one?
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Think of a painful memory from your past.
How has this experience shapedthe person you are today?
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Whoa, that's a powerful one.
Yeah it is.
It immediately brings to mindthose memories we tend to avoid,
the ones that still sting a bit, even after all these years.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
It's true, and those are often the memories that hold
the most valuable insights.
Oh, interesting, it's not?
Speaker 1 (10:05):
And those are often the memories that hold the most
valuable insights oh interesting.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
It's not about re-traumatizing ourselves Right,
but about approaching thosememories with a gentle curiosity
, like an archaeologistcarefully excavating a fragile
artifact.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
What can we learn from these experiences?
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
How have they shaped our beliefs about ourselves, our
relationships and the worldaround us?
Speaker 1 (10:24):
For instance, maybe a childhood experience of being
bullied.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Led us to develop a deep-seated fear of rejection.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
That's a good example .
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Or maybe a betrayal in a past relationship caused us
to build walls around ourhearts, mm-hmm, making it
difficult to trust and bevulnerable again.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Exactly those past wounds can create these
invisible patterns.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
That repeat themselves in our lives, often
without us even realizing it.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
So what does this all mean for our listener?
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Yeah, good question.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
What should they do if this prompt stirs up some
difficult emotions?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
First and foremost, be kind to yourself.
This work can be challenging,so create a safe and supportive
space for yourself before divinginto these prompts.
Have some tissues nearby, puton some soothing music or light
a candle Anything that helps youfeel grounded and comforted.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
It's like giving yourself permission to feel
those emotions Exactly, withoutjudgment, without judgment, and
remember you don yourselfpermission to feel those
emotions.
Exactly Without judgment.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Without judgment.
And remember you don't have todo this alone.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
If the emotions feel overwhelming, reach out to a
trusted friend, a therapist or asupport group.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Sharing those experiences can be incredibly
healing.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
It's like the old saying, a burden shared is a
burden halved.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Exactly and as Clara Penrose reminds us in her blog
post past wounds can be heavy,but each memory holds a lesson
Releasing what no longer serves,you can open space for healing
and growth All right, let'sexplore another prompt from this
, uncovering past woundscategory Okay, one that really
stood out to me was right abouta time when you felt betrayed by
(11:55):
someone you trusted.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
How did it impact your view of relationships?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
This is a particularly poignant prompt,
because betrayal is such auniversal experience.
It can shake us to our core,shattering our trust not only in
the person who betrayed us, butin our own judgment and our
ability to discerntrustworthiness in others.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
It makes me think about how those experiences can
lead us to project our pasthurts onto present relationships
.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Oh, for sure.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Maybe we become overly cautious, suspicious or
even guarded, fearing thathistory will repeat itself.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
Absolutely, and that's where the real work lies.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
In recognizing those patterns, those echoes of past
betrayal Right that might beunconsciously influencing how we
interact with others today.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
It's like we're carrying around these invisible
wounds.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
And they're affecting how we see the world and how we
relate to other people.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
And often we're not even aware of it.
Wow.
But by bringing those woundsinto the light of awareness
through these journal prompts wecan start to heal them and
break free from thoseself-limiting patterns.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
So how can our listener use this specific
prompt about betrayal to benefittheir own lives?
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
What's the action step here?
Speaker 2 (13:12):
I encourage them to reflect on that experience of
betrayal with as muchobjectivity as possible.
What happened?
How did it make them feel?
What beliefs did it instillabout themselves, about
relationships and about theworld?
Speaker 1 (13:26):
It's like stepping back and observing the situation
from a neutral perspective,almost like a detached observer.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Exactly.
And once you've explored thosedetails, consider how those past
beliefs might be shaping yourcurrent relationships.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Are you holding back from intimacy because of a fear
of being hurt again?
Are you subconsciously choosingpartners who mirror those past
patterns?
Speaker 1 (13:50):
It's like we're looking for clues connecting the
dots between past and present.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Precisely and remember forgiveness is a
crucial part of this process.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning the actions of
the person who betrayed you,right, but it does free you from
the weight of carrying thatanger and resentment.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
It's like releasing a heavy burden.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Exactly, and that release can create space for
healing growth and newpossibilities in your
relationships.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
You know, as we're delving into these prompts about
past wounds, I'm struck by howinterconnected everything feels.
Yeah, me too, it's like peelingback the layers of an onion.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
Revealing more and more about ourselves with each
prompt.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
I agree.
And that brings us to our nextcategory, recognizing triggers
and reactions.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Which feels like a natural progression from
exploring past wounds.
How so Well, once we've startedto understand the Okay, which
feels like a natural progressionfrom exploring past wounds.
How so Well, once we've startedto understand the roots of our
fears and insecurities, right,we can begin to recognize the
triggers that set those emotionsoff.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
So we're moving from understanding our past.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
To recognizing how it's affecting our present.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Exactly.
It's about becoming more awareof those patterns, those
knee-jerk reactions that oftenstem from unresolved emotions or
past hurts.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And Clara Penrose provides some incredibly
insightful prompts to guide usin this exploration.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Give me an example.
What's a prompt from thiscategory that could really help
our listener become more awareof their triggers?
Speaker 2 (15:14):
This one is particularly powerful.
Describe a situation where youreacted strongly to something.
What was the trigger and why doyou think it affected you so
deeply?
Speaker 1 (15:24):
Okay, this prompt seems to be about dissecting a
specific situation where we hada strong emotional reaction.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Right.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
It's almost like we're putting ourselves under a
microscope, aren't we?
Speaker 2 (15:36):
That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
It encourages us to slow down and really examine
those moments where our emotionstook over.
What were the specificcircumstances, what words were
said?
What actions were taken?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
And then to dig even deeper and ask why did this
trigger such a strong reactionin me Exactly?
It's like we're looking for theroot cause of the emotional
outburst.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
And what's fascinating is that often our
reactions are more about us thanabout the situation itself.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
What do you mean by that?
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Well, let's say, someone cuts you off in traffic.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
And you find yourself getting incredibly angry, even
enraged.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Yeah, that's frustrating.
Yeah, I can see why someonewould get upset.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Of course, but if you examine that anger more closely
, okay.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
You might discover that it's actually stemming from
a deeper insecurity or fear.
Maybe you felt powerless inthat moment.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Right.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Or maybe it triggered a past experience where you
were treated unfairly.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
So the trigger isn't just the event itself, but the
deeper emotions that it stirs upwithin us.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
Exactly Right, and that's where the real power of
this prompt lies.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
In recognizing that our triggers often point to
unresolved issues.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Oh right.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Or unhealed wounds from our past.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
It's like those triggers are clues leading us
back to the source of our pain.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Precisely, and once we understand those triggers, we
can start to choose a differentresponse.
Okay, instead of reactingimpulsively, Right.
We can pause, breathe and askourselves Okay, what's really
going on here?
What deeper need or fear isbeing triggered right now?
Speaker 2 (17:06):
It's like we're becoming more mindful, yes, more
aware of the inner workings ofour minds and hearts.
Speaker 1 (17:11):
And that increased awareness is what allows us to
break free, okay, from thosereactive patterns and choose a
more empowered response.
Okay, before we move on to thenext category, let's explore one
more prompt from thisrecognizing triggers and
reactions section.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
One that really intrigued me was this oh.
Write about a pattern ofbehavior you notice in yourself
when you're under stress.
How does it impact you andthose around you?
Speaker 2 (17:41):
This prompt is all about recognizing those
unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
We tend to fall back on when the pressure's on.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
It's like we all have these default settings that
kick in when we feel stressed,overwhelmed or threatened.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
You know, it makes me think about how differently
people respond to stress.
Some people withdraw andisolate themselves, while others
become irritable and lash out.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
And then there are those who try to numb their
stress with work, food, alcoholor other distractions.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Right, it's like we all have our vices.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
But what unites us is that often those coping
mechanisms end up creating moreproblems than they solve.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
They might provide temporary relief, but in the
long run they can damage ourrelationships, our health and
our overall well-being.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Exactly so.
This prompt invites us to takean honest look at our own stress
responses.
What are those go-to patternsthat we fall back on?
How do those patterns impact usand the people around us and,
most importantly, what healthiercoping mechanisms can we start
to cultivate?
All back on.
How do those patterns impact?
Us and the people around us and, most importantly, what
healthier coping mechanisms canwe start to cultivate?
Speaker 1 (18:42):
So it's not just about recognizing the unhealthy
patterns, but about replacingthem with more constructive ones
.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
Precisely, and remember this is a journey, not
a destination.
We're all works in progress,constantly learning and evolving
.
So be patient with yourself,Celebrate your progress and keep
exploring those shadows withcuriosity and compassion.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
Beautifully said and speaking of exploring shadows.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Our next category takes us even deeper into that
realm.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Oh, I like it.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
It's titled Embracing the Shadow Self.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
And it challenges us to confront those parts of
ourselves that we've deemedunacceptable yeah, even those
aspects that make us cringe alittle.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
This is where things get really interesting and
potentially transformative.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
It feels like we're moving beyond simply
understanding our shadows.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
To actually accepting them, even integrating them.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
Right.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
Into our sense of self Totally.
But how can we embrace thoseparts of ourselves?
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Yeah, that's the question.
Speaker 1 (19:40):
We've spent so much time and energy trying to hide.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
That's the million-dollar question, isn't
it?
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
And this is where Clara Penrose's prompts in the
embracing the shadow selfcategory really shine.
They challenge us to shift ourperspective and see those shadow
aspects not as enemies to beconquered but as potential
allies on our journey towardwholeness.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
Okay, give me an example of a prompt that
illustrates this idea ofbefriending our shadows.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
How about this one?
Reflect on a quality inyourself that you consider
negative.
Why do you label it this wayand how could you view it
differently?
Speaker 1 (20:20):
This crop seems to be about challenging our own
judgments.
It's like we're being asked toput those negative labels on
trial and see if they actuallyhold up under scrutiny.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Exactly.
We tend to categorize certainqualities as good or bad, right,
but what if those labels aremore about societal conditioning
than inherent truth?
What if those so-callednegative traits actually hold
hidden strengths?
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Or even untapped potential.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
For example, maybe you've always labeled yourself
as too sensitive.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Seeing it as a weakness Right that makes you
vulnerable to hurt or criticism.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Yeah, makes you too emotional.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
But what if you reframed that sensitivity as
empathy?
Oh, a deep ability to connectwith and understand the emotions
of others.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
That's a good reframe , right?
Or perhaps you've labeledyourself as stubborn.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Seeing it as an obstacle to getting along with
others.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
But what if you reframe that stubbornness as
determination, a powerful driveto achieve your goals and stand
up for what you believe in?
Speaker 1 (21:24):
So it's about seeing those qualities through a new
lens, recognizing that even theaspects we've judged as negative
, Right.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Can serve a purpose in our lives.
Speaker 1 (21:33):
They can, but how do we actually do that?
How do we shift our perspective?
Speaker 2 (21:36):
It starts with curiosity.
Okay, instead of judging thosequalities, try approaching them
with a sense of wonder.
Okay, ask yourself what if thisquality is actually a strength
in disguise?
How might it be serving me,even if I don't fully understand
it yet?
Speaker 1 (21:52):
And maybe even asking what if the parts of myself
I've been trying to hide areactually the keys to unlocking
my full potential?
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Exactly what if those shadows hold the very qualities
?
Wow, you need to live a moreauthentic, fulfilling and
meaningful life.
Speaker 1 (22:08):
All right, let's explore another prompt from this
, embracing the shadow selfcategory.
Okay, that caught my eye.
This one seems to go evendeeper.
Right Write about a part ofyour personality that you often
avoid or suppress.
What are you afraid wouldhappen if you embraced it?
Speaker 2 (22:24):
This prompt is like shining a light into those dark
corners of ourselves that we'vebeen afraid to even look at.
It's about acknowledging thefear that keeps us from fully
expressing ourselves.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Right.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
From letting those hidden parts see the light of
day.
Speaker 1 (22:38):
Let's face it, we all have those parts right.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Yeah, we do.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
The parts that make us feel ashamed, embarrassed or
even afraid, the parts we worrymight make us unlovable or
unacceptable.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
And this prompt encourages us to ask ourselves
what if those fears areunfounded?
What if those hidden parts areactually beautiful, powerful?
And even essential to who weare.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
What if, as Clara Penrose so wisely suggests in
her blog post, each part of youholds?
Speaker 2 (23:10):
that.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Even the parts you find hard to accept.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
That's such a powerful reminder, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (23:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
It's like we're giving ourselves permission to
be whole.
Right To embrace all of who weare, even the messy, imperfect
parts.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
And that brings us to our final category, okay, which
feels like a naturalculmination of this entire
shadow work journey.
Speaker 2 (23:29):
Yeah, it does.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
It's titled Cultivating Self Compassion and
Acceptance.
Oh it's about integrating allthat we've learned and embracing
ourselves fully shadows and all.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
This category is all about recognizing that we are
perfectly imperfect beings.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Worthy of love and acceptance, exactly as we are.
It's about treating ourselveswith the same kindness,
understanding and forgivenessthat we would offer a dear
friend.
Speaker 1 (23:55):
Give me a prompt from this category that really
captures this spirit ofself-compassion.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
How about this one?
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
Reflect on a way you can be kinder to yourself in
moments of doubt.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
How could this shift your relationship with yourself?
Speaker 1 (24:09):
This prompt encourages us to become our own
best friend, our own cheerleader, especially in those moments
when we're struggling or feelingdown on ourselves.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
Exactly, it's about silencing that inner critic.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
That voice that whispers we're not good enough,
smart enough or worthy enough,and it's about replacing that
negative self-talk with words ofencouragement, support and love
.
Speaker 1 (24:32):
So instead of saying I'm such a failure, we could say
I'm learning and growing andI'm proud of myself for trying.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
Precisely, it's about shifting that internal
narrative from judgment toencouragement, from criticism to
self-love.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
And remember, as Clara Penrose so beautifully
reminds us, self-compassion isthe foundation of inner peace.
Embrace who you are, everylayer and every shadow, and let
self-kindness guide you forward.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Well said, and with that beautiful sentiment, we've
come to the end of our deep diveinto the world of shadow work.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
Wow, what a journey.
We've explored fears, andinsecurities.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
We have.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Uncovered past wounds , recognized triggers and
reactions, embraced our shadowcells and cultivated
self-compassion.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
We did it.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
It's been an incredibly insightful and
transformative exploration.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
It really has, and I hope our listener has gained
some valuable tools andperspectives from Claire
Penrose's prompts to continuetheir own shadow work journey
Remember remember this is anongoing process, not a
destination.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Keep exploring those shadows with curiosity, courage
and compassion yes and neverforget that you are worthy of
love and acceptance, exactly asyou are absolutely every layer
and every shadow included everysingle one and who knows, maybe
those shadows you've been hiding.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
Hold the very keys to unlocking your greatest
strengths and living a moreauthentic and fulfilling life.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (26:00):
That's something to ponder as we conclude this deep
dive.
Speaker 2 (26:03):
That is.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep growing.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
And keep shining your light.
Hey everyone, welcome back.
Today we're going to be doing adeep dive.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Into something.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
Oh, this is going to be good.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Yeah, I'm excited about this one, so you guys
share this with us.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Yeah, this is a popular one.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
Claire Penrose's blog post on Lestallion 50 shadow
journal prompts.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
And we are going to unpack these prompts.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Yeah, so get ready for a journey of self-discovery,
because these prompts are likekeys, unlocking those hidden
rooms within ourselves.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Oh, I like that.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Right.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Yeah, I like that analogy a lot.
What's cool about this deepdive is we're not just skimming
the surface here.
Speaker 1 (00:40):
No no.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
We're really going deep.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
We're going deep.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
We're using these prompts to explore the often
avoided aspects of ourpersonalities.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
Those lurking shadows that can hold us back if we let
them.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
Yeah.
So for those who might be newto this concept, how would you
describe the shadow self?
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Oh, shadow self.
It's a good question.
Speaker 1 (01:01):
In a way that makes sense, even if you've never
heard the term before.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Even if you've never heard the term before.
Even if you've never heard it.
Okay, so imagine an iceberg.
Okay, right, you see the tipabove the water.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
But there's this massive hidden part beneath the
surface.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Right.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
That's kind of like our shadow self.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
It holds all the parts of ourselves we've pushed
down, yeah, or gamedunacceptable, right, you know
those fears and securities, yeah, or even desires that we've
learned to hide?
Speaker 1 (01:28):
Yeah, and why would we want to explore these hidden
depths?
It seems like some people mightfind that a bit well scary.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
You're right, it can be daunting.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
But think of it like this If we ignore those hidden
parts, Okay.
They can control us in ways wedon't even realize Right.
They can sabotage ourrelationships, hold us back from
pursuing our dreams or keep usstuck in unhealthy patterns.
That's doing good.
But if we shine a light on themthrough these journal prompts,
we can understand them,integrate them and ultimately
(02:02):
become more whole and authenticversions of ourselves.
Speaker 1 (02:05):
It's like facing your fears.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Yeah, like facing your fears, Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
That makes a lot of sense.
So how does Clara Penroseapproach this in her blog post?
Does she just give us a list of50 random prompts?
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Not at all.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
No.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
No, she's very thoughtful about it.
She's thoughtfully grouped theprompts into categories.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Oh good.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Which is incredibly helpful because it allows us to
explore different aspects of ourshadow selves in a structured
way.
Speaker 1 (02:30):
Oh, that's nice.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
All right, let's jump into the first category.
Okay, what's the first shadowrealm we're exploring today?
Speaker 2 (02:36):
The one that often feels the most immediate and
relatable.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Facing fears and insecurities.
Ooh, these prompts are like aspotlight, shining directly on
the things that hold us back,those whispers of doubt that can
really limit our potential.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
Okay, give me an example of a prompt from this
category.
That really packs a punch.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
How about this one?
Reflect on a fear that holdsyou back in life.
Describe where you think itcomes from and how it affects
your choices.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Whoa, that's going straight to the heart of it.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Right to the heart of it.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
This isn't just about naming the fear.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
No.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
It's about understanding its origins and
its impact on our lives.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Right, absolutely.
Think about those times you'vehesitated.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
To take a chance.
Speak your truth.
Speaker 1 (03:21):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Or go after what you truly desire.
Often there's a fear lurkingbeneath the surface, yeah,
dictating your decisions withoutyou even realizing it.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
Oh, sneaky.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Sneaky little shadow.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
This prompt encourages you to investigate
that fear.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Trace it back to its roots.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
And consider how it might be limiting your choices.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Makes me think about the times I've stayed in my
comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Even when I knew deep down I wanted something more.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:50):
That fear of failure, of not being good enough, could
be so paralyzing.
Speaker 2 (03:54):
So paralyzing, but if you can identify it, Right.
Maybe you can start tochallenge it.
Yeah, and break free.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Break free.
From that comfort zone, rightFrom that comfort zone, from
that fear, yeah, what'sfascinating here is that often
these fears stem from pastexperiences, maybe from
childhood or from a previousrelationship.
Exactly by understanding wherethe fear originated, you can
start to see it in a new lightand gain a sense of control over
(04:21):
it.
Speaker 2 (04:22):
Totally A new perspective can be so powerful I
can already see how powerfulthis could be for our listener.
I know me too.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Just sitting down with a journal.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
And really diving into that one prompt.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:33):
Could lead to some major breakthroughs.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Absolutely Some major aha moments Right For sure.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Okay, let's move on to another prompt.
Dig it from this facing fearsand insecurities category.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
All right.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
What else did Clara Penrose include?
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Let's see.
Speaker 1 (04:47):
That might be particularly helpful for our
listener.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
This next one really resonated with me.
Okay, think about a situationwhere you felt intense
insecurity.
What triggered those feelingsand how do they still impact you
?
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Okay, so this one seems to be about getting really
specific.
We're not just talking aboutgeneral feelings of insecurity.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
Right.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
We're actually pinpointing a particular
situation that brought thosefeelings to the surface.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
It's like using a magnifying glass.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
To examine those moments where our insecurities
flared up.
Speaker 1 (05:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
What were the circumstances?
Speaker 1 (05:23):
Who was?
Speaker 2 (05:24):
involved.
What thoughts and beliefs wererunning through our minds at the
time?
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It's like detective work for your own emotions.
Speaker 2 (05:30):
I love that analogy.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
And by exploring the details of that specific
situation, you might uncoverpatterns or triggers that you
hadn't noticed before that youdidn't even realize.
Yeah, you weren't even aware of.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
For example, maybe you realize that every time you
receive a compliment, youimmediately deflect it or
downplay your achievements.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:51):
This prompt could help you understand why you do
that and what deeper insecuritymight be driving that behavior
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
And it also encourages you to consider the
lasting impact of thatexperience?
Are you still carrying thoseinsecurities with you, even if
the situation itself is longgone?
Speaker 1 (06:11):
Even if it's ancient history.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Ancient history.
How are those old woundsinfluencing your current
thoughts, feelings and behaviors?
Speaker 1 (06:20):
It's incredible how much our past can shape our
present.
Isn't it?
Isn't it?
It really is, but the past canshape our present Isn't.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
it Isn't it, it really is.
But the good news is, once webring those shadows into the
light of awareness, we can startto heal them and break free
from their grip.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Okay, before we move on to the next category, let's
explore one more prompt thatcaught my eye from this facing
fears and insecurity section.
Okay, it's this one.
Describe a habit or behaviorthat you're afraid others might
judge.
Why is this part of youdifficult to share?
Speaker 2 (06:50):
Ah yes, this one goes straight to the heart of shame
and vulnerability.
Speaker 1 (06:54):
Right.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
It's about those little quirks, those
idiosyncrasies, that we keephidden because we fear judgment
or rejection.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
It's like we all have this secret closet full of
things we don't want anyone tosee, right.
But what if and this is just athought what if those flaws are
actually what make us unique andinteresting?
Speaker 2 (07:14):
That's a brilliant question, and it challenges us
to ask why are we so afraid ofjudgment?
What stories are we tellingourselves about what others will
think, and are those storieseven true?
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Are we making it up?
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Yeah, we might be.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
This prompt could be a real eye opener for our
listener.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
It encourages them to not only identify those hidden
parts, but also to explore thereasons behind their concealment
.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
It's like going deeper.
Yeah, peeling back those layers.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Exactly, and to consider what might happen, yeah
, if they actually embrace thoseparts of themselves instead of
hiding them.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
What if, instead of being sources of shame yeah,
those hidden habits or behaviorsbecame sources of strength, or
even inspiration?
Speaker 1 (08:00):
It's almost like we're flipping the script on
what's acceptable and what's not.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
We're reclaiming those parts of ourselves that
society might have deemed weirdor unworthy and saying hey, this
is part of who I am and it's OK.
I love that.
(08:25):
That's powerful, and that's apowerful step towards
self-acceptance which, as ClaraPenrose so eloquently puts it in
her blog post, is a doorway tofreedom and authenticity.
I love that, and it's a perfectsegue into our next category of
prompts, which focuses on Ican't wait, this is going to be
good.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Uncovering past wounds and memories.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
This category takes us deeper into the
archaeological dig of our ownlives, exploring how those past
experiences, particularly thepainful ones, might still be
shaping who we are today.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Okay, I'm getting a sense that this category could
be pretty intense.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Yeah, it can be.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
Is it really healthy to dwell on past hurts?
Speaker 2 (08:56):
That's a great question.
Speaker 1 (08:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:57):
And it's important to approach this category with a
sense of self-compassion.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
The goal isn't to wallow in pain or blame
ourselves or others, but ratherto understand how those
experiences might still beinfluencing our thoughts,
feelings and behaviors in thepresent.
Speaker 1 (09:14):
So it's less about dwelling and more about
understanding.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Exactly.
It's like those old sayingsthose who cannot remember the
past are condemned to repeat it,or history repeats itself.
By understanding the past, wecan break free from those
repetitive cycles.
Speaker 1 (09:29):
Okay, I'm starting to see how this ties into shadow
work.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (09:32):
Give me a prompt from this category that really
illustrates this idea.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Of understanding the past to break free from negative
patterns.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
How about this one?
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:43):
Think of a painful memory from your past.
How has this experience shapedthe person you are today?
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Whoa, that's a powerful one.
Yeah it is.
It immediately brings to mindthose memories we tend to avoid,
the ones that still sting a bit, even after all these years.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
It's true, and those are often the memories that hold
the most valuable insights.
Oh, interesting, it's not?
Speaker 1 (10:05):
And those are often the memories that hold the most
valuable insights oh interesting.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
It's not about re-traumatizing ourselves Right,
but about approaching thosememories with a gentle curiosity
, like an archaeologistcarefully excavating a fragile
artifact.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
What can we learn from these experiences?
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
How have they shaped our beliefs about ourselves, our
relationships and the worldaround us?
Speaker 1 (10:24):
For instance, maybe a childhood experience of being
bullied.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Led us to develop a deep-seated fear of rejection.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
That's a good example .
Speaker 1 (10:32):
Or maybe a betrayal in a past relationship caused us
to build walls around ourhearts, mm-hmm, making it
difficult to trust and bevulnerable again.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Exactly those past wounds can create these
invisible patterns.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Right.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
That repeat themselves in our lives, often
without us even realizing it.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
So what does this all mean for our listener?
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Yeah, good question.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
What should they do if this prompt stirs up some
difficult emotions?
Speaker 2 (10:58):
First and foremost, be kind to yourself.
This work can be challenging,so create a safe and supportive
space for yourself before divinginto these prompts.
Have some tissues nearby, puton some soothing music or light
a candle Anything that helps youfeel grounded and comforted.
Speaker 1 (11:14):
It's like giving yourself permission to feel
those emotions Exactly, withoutjudgment, without judgment, and
remember you don yourselfpermission to feel those
emotions.
Exactly Without judgment.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Without judgment.
And remember you don't have todo this alone.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
If the emotions feel overwhelming, reach out to a
trusted friend, a therapist or asupport group.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
Sharing those experiences can be incredibly
healing.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
It's like the old saying, a burden shared is a
burden halved.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Exactly and as Clara Penrose reminds us in her blog
post past wounds can be heavy,but each memory holds a lesson
Releasing what no longer serves,you can open space for healing
and growth All right, let'sexplore another prompt from this
, uncovering past woundscategory Okay, one that really
stood out to me was right abouta time when you felt betrayed by
(11:55):
someone you trusted.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
How did it impact your view of relationships?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
This is a particularly poignant prompt,
because betrayal is such auniversal experience.
It can shake us to our core,shattering our trust not only in
the person who betrayed us, butin our own judgment and our
ability to discerntrustworthiness in others.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
It makes me think about how those experiences can
lead us to project our pasthurts onto present relationships
.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Oh, for sure.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
Maybe we become overly cautious, suspicious or
even guarded, fearing thathistory will repeat itself.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
Absolutely, and that's where the real work lies.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
In recognizing those patterns, those echoes of past
betrayal Right that might beunconsciously influencing how we
interact with others today.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
It's like we're carrying around these invisible
wounds.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
And they're affecting how we see the world and how we
relate to other people.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
And often we're not even aware of it.
Wow.
But by bringing those woundsinto the light of awareness
through these journal prompts wecan start to heal them and
break free from thoseself-limiting patterns.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
So how can our listener use this specific
prompt about betrayal to benefittheir own lives?
Speaker 2 (13:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
What's the action step here?
Speaker 2 (13:12):
I encourage them to reflect on that experience of
betrayal with as muchobjectivity as possible.
What happened?
How did it make them feel?
What beliefs did it instillabout themselves, about
relationships and about theworld?
Speaker 1 (13:26):
It's like stepping back and observing the situation
from a neutral perspective,almost like a detached observer.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Exactly.
And once you've explored thosedetails, consider how those past
beliefs might be shaping yourcurrent relationships.
Speaker 1 (13:40):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Are you holding back from intimacy because of a fear
of being hurt again?
Are you subconsciously choosingpartners who mirror those past
patterns?
Speaker 1 (13:50):
It's like we're looking for clues connecting the
dots between past and present.
Speaker 2 (13:54):
Precisely and remember forgiveness is a
crucial part of this process.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning the actions of
the person who betrayed you,right, but it does free you from
the weight of carrying thatanger and resentment.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
It's like releasing a heavy burden.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Exactly, and that release can create space for
healing growth and newpossibilities in your
relationships.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
You know, as we're delving into these prompts about
past wounds, I'm struck by howinterconnected everything feels.
Yeah, me too, it's like peelingback the layers of an onion.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
Revealing more and more about ourselves with each
prompt.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
I agree.
And that brings us to our nextcategory, recognizing triggers
and reactions.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Which feels like a natural progression from
exploring past wounds.
How so Well, once we've startedto understand the Okay, which
feels like a natural progressionfrom exploring past wounds.
How so Well, once we've startedto understand the roots of our
fears and insecurities, right,we can begin to recognize the
triggers that set those emotionsoff.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
So we're moving from understanding our past.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:50):
To recognizing how it's affecting our present.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Exactly.
It's about becoming more awareof those patterns, those
knee-jerk reactions that oftenstem from unresolved emotions or
past hurts.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And Clara Penrose provides some incredibly
insightful prompts to guide usin this exploration.
Speaker 1 (15:07):
Give me an example.
What's a prompt from thiscategory that could really help
our listener become more awareof their triggers?
Speaker 2 (15:14):
This one is particularly powerful.
Describe a situation where youreacted strongly to something.
What was the trigger and why doyou think it affected you so
deeply?
Speaker 1 (15:24):
Okay, this prompt seems to be about dissecting a
specific situation where we hada strong emotional reaction.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Right.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
It's almost like we're putting ourselves under a
microscope, aren't we?
Speaker 2 (15:36):
That's a great way to put it.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:38):
It encourages us to slow down and really examine
those moments where our emotionstook over.
What were the specificcircumstances, what words were
said?
What actions were taken?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
And then to dig even deeper and ask why did this
trigger such a strong reactionin me Exactly?
It's like we're looking for theroot cause of the emotional
outburst.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
And what's fascinating is that often our
reactions are more about us thanabout the situation itself.
Speaker 1 (16:04):
What do you mean by that?
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Well, let's say, someone cuts you off in traffic.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:07):
And you find yourself getting incredibly angry, even
enraged.
Speaker 1 (16:11):
Yeah, that's frustrating.
Yeah, I can see why someonewould get upset.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Of course, but if you examine that anger more closely
, okay.
Speaker 1 (16:18):
You might discover that it's actually stemming from
a deeper insecurity or fear.
Maybe you felt powerless inthat moment.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Right.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Or maybe it triggered a past experience where you
were treated unfairly.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
So the trigger isn't just the event itself, but the
deeper emotions that it stirs upwithin us.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
Exactly Right, and that's where the real power of
this prompt lies.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (16:39):
In recognizing that our triggers often point to
unresolved issues.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Oh right.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Or unhealed wounds from our past.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
It's like those triggers are clues leading us
back to the source of our pain.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Precisely, and once we understand those triggers, we
can start to choose a differentresponse.
Okay, instead of reactingimpulsively, Right.
We can pause, breathe and askourselves Okay, what's really
going on here?
What deeper need or fear isbeing triggered right now?
Speaker 2 (17:06):
It's like we're becoming more mindful, yes, more
aware of the inner workings ofour minds and hearts.
Speaker 1 (17:11):
And that increased awareness is what allows us to
break free, okay, from thosereactive patterns and choose a
more empowered response.
Okay, before we move on to thenext category, let's explore one
more prompt from thisrecognizing triggers and
reactions section.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
One that really intrigued me was this oh.
Write about a pattern ofbehavior you notice in yourself
when you're under stress.
How does it impact you andthose around you?
Speaker 2 (17:41):
This prompt is all about recognizing those
unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
We tend to fall back on when the pressure's on.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
It's like we all have these default settings that
kick in when we feel stressed,overwhelmed or threatened.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
You know, it makes me think about how differently
people respond to stress.
Some people withdraw andisolate themselves, while others
become irritable and lash out.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
And then there are those who try to numb their
stress with work, food, alcoholor other distractions.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Right, it's like we all have our vices.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
But what unites us is that often those coping
mechanisms end up creating moreproblems than they solve.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
They might provide temporary relief, but in the
long run they can damage ourrelationships, our health and
our overall well-being.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
Exactly so.
This prompt invites us to takean honest look at our own stress
responses.
What are those go-to patternsthat we fall back on?
How do those patterns impact usand the people around us and,
most importantly, what healthiercoping mechanisms can we start
to cultivate?
All back on.
How do those patterns impact?
Us and the people around us and, most importantly, what
healthier coping mechanisms canwe start to cultivate?
Speaker 1 (18:42):
So it's not just about recognizing the unhealthy
patterns, but about replacingthem with more constructive ones
.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
Precisely, and remember this is a journey, not
a destination.
We're all works in progress,constantly learning and evolving
.
So be patient with yourself,Celebrate your progress and keep
exploring those shadows withcuriosity and compassion.
Speaker 1 (19:04):
Beautifully said and speaking of exploring shadows.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
Our next category takes us even deeper into that
realm.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Oh, I like it.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
It's titled Embracing the Shadow Self.
Speaker 2 (19:14):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (19:15):
And it challenges us to confront those parts of
ourselves that we've deemedunacceptable yeah, even those
aspects that make us cringe alittle.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
This is where things get really interesting and
potentially transformative.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
It feels like we're moving beyond simply
understanding our shadows.
Speaker 2 (19:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
To actually accepting them, even integrating them.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
Right.
Speaker 1 (19:35):
Into our sense of self Totally.
But how can we embrace thoseparts of ourselves?
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Yeah, that's the question.
Speaker 1 (19:40):
We've spent so much time and energy trying to hide.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
That's the million-dollar question, isn't
it?
Speaker 1 (19:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
And this is where Clara Penrose's prompts in the
embracing the shadow selfcategory really shine.
They challenge us to shift ourperspective and see those shadow
aspects not as enemies to beconquered but as potential
allies on our journey towardwholeness.
Speaker 1 (20:06):
Okay, give me an example of a prompt that
illustrates this idea ofbefriending our shadows.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
How about this one?
Reflect on a quality inyourself that you consider
negative.
Why do you label it this wayand how could you view it
differently?
Speaker 1 (20:20):
This crop seems to be about challenging our own
judgments.
It's like we're being asked toput those negative labels on
trial and see if they actuallyhold up under scrutiny.
Speaker 2 (20:29):
Exactly.
We tend to categorize certainqualities as good or bad, right,
but what if those labels aremore about societal conditioning
than inherent truth?
What if those so-callednegative traits actually hold
hidden strengths?
Speaker 1 (20:45):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (20:45):
Or even untapped potential.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
For example, maybe you've always labeled yourself
as too sensitive.
Speaker 2 (20:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:52):
Seeing it as a weakness Right that makes you
vulnerable to hurt or criticism.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Yeah, makes you too emotional.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
But what if you reframed that sensitivity as
empathy?
Oh, a deep ability to connectwith and understand the emotions
of others.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:07):
That's a good reframe , right?
Or perhaps you've labeledyourself as stubborn.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Seeing it as an obstacle to getting along with
others.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
But what if you reframe that stubbornness as
determination, a powerful driveto achieve your goals and stand
up for what you believe in?
Speaker 1 (21:24):
So it's about seeing those qualities through a new
lens, recognizing that even theaspects we've judged as negative
, Right.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Can serve a purpose in our lives.
Speaker 1 (21:33):
They can, but how do we actually do that?
How do we shift our perspective?
Speaker 2 (21:36):
It starts with curiosity.
Okay, instead of judging thosequalities, try approaching them
with a sense of wonder.
Okay, ask yourself what if thisquality is actually a strength
in disguise?
How might it be serving me,even if I don't fully understand
it yet?
Speaker 1 (21:52):
And maybe even asking what if the parts of myself
I've been trying to hide areactually the keys to unlocking
my full potential?
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Exactly what if those shadows hold the very qualities
?
Wow, you need to live a moreauthentic, fulfilling and
meaningful life.
Speaker 1 (22:08):
All right, let's explore another prompt from this
, embracing the shadow selfcategory.
Okay, that caught my eye.
This one seems to go evendeeper.
Right Write about a part ofyour personality that you often
avoid or suppress.
What are you afraid wouldhappen if you embraced it?
Speaker 2 (22:24):
This prompt is like shining a light into those dark
corners of ourselves that we'vebeen afraid to even look at.
It's about acknowledging thefear that keeps us from fully
expressing ourselves.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
Right.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
From letting those hidden parts see the light of
day.
Speaker 1 (22:38):
Let's face it, we all have those parts right.
Speaker 2 (22:41):
Yeah, we do.
Speaker 1 (22:41):
The parts that make us feel ashamed, embarrassed or
even afraid, the parts we worrymight make us unlovable or
unacceptable.
Speaker 2 (22:49):
And this prompt encourages us to ask ourselves
what if those fears areunfounded?
What if those hidden parts areactually beautiful, powerful?
And even essential to who weare.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
What if, as Clara Penrose so wisely suggests in
her blog post, each part of youholds?
Speaker 2 (23:10):
that.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Even the parts you find hard to accept.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
That's such a powerful reminder, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (23:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
It's like we're giving ourselves permission to
be whole.
Right To embrace all of who weare, even the messy, imperfect
parts.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
And that brings us to our final category, okay, which
feels like a naturalculmination of this entire
shadow work journey.
Speaker 2 (23:29):
Yeah, it does.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
It's titled Cultivating Self Compassion and
Acceptance.
Oh it's about integrating allthat we've learned and embracing
ourselves fully shadows and all.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
This category is all about recognizing that we are
perfectly imperfect beings.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (23:47):
Worthy of love and acceptance, exactly as we are.
It's about treating ourselveswith the same kindness,
understanding and forgivenessthat we would offer a dear
friend.
Speaker 1 (23:55):
Give me a prompt from this category that really
captures this spirit ofself-compassion.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
How about this one?
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
Reflect on a way you can be kinder to yourself in
moments of doubt.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
How could this shift your relationship with yourself?
Speaker 1 (24:09):
This prompt encourages us to become our own
best friend, our own cheerleader, especially in those moments
when we're struggling or feelingdown on ourselves.
Speaker 2 (24:18):
Exactly, it's about silencing that inner critic.
Speaker 1 (24:21):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
That voice that whispers we're not good enough,
smart enough or worthy enough,and it's about replacing that
negative self-talk with words ofencouragement, support and love
.
Speaker 1 (24:32):
So instead of saying I'm such a failure, we could say
I'm learning and growing andI'm proud of myself for trying.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
Precisely, it's about shifting that internal
narrative from judgment toencouragement, from criticism to
self-love.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
And remember, as Clara Penrose so beautifully
reminds us, self-compassion isthe foundation of inner peace.
Embrace who you are, everylayer and every shadow, and let
self-kindness guide you forward.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Well said, and with that beautiful sentiment, we've
come to the end of our deep diveinto the world of shadow work.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
Wow, what a journey.
We've explored fears, andinsecurities.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
We have.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Uncovered past wounds , recognized triggers and
reactions, embraced our shadowcells and cultivated
self-compassion.
Speaker 2 (25:20):
We did it.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
It's been an incredibly insightful and
transformative exploration.
Speaker 2 (25:24):
It really has, and I hope our listener has gained
some valuable tools andperspectives from Claire
Penrose's prompts to continuetheir own shadow work journey
Remember remember this is anongoing process, not a
destination.
Speaker 1 (25:35):
Keep exploring those shadows with curiosity, courage
and compassion yes and neverforget that you are worthy of
love and acceptance, exactly asyou are absolutely every layer
and every shadow included everysingle one and who knows, maybe
those shadows you've been hiding.
Speaker 2 (25:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
Hold the very keys to unlocking your greatest
strengths and living a moreauthentic and fulfilling life.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
There you go.
Speaker 1 (26:00):
That's something to ponder as we conclude this deep
dive.
Speaker 2 (26:03):
That is.
Speaker 1 (26:03):
Until next time, keep exploring, keep growing.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
And keep shining your light.
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