Ep. 44: Bringing our inner shadow to the light.
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LISTEN:
It’s almost an instinct to hide what we perceive as ugly. But do you know that there is power in completely embracing who you really are?
In today's episode we unpack how to deal with our “inner shadow” and overpower it with light. Because we can’t live in hiding forever, and perfection is a myth.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:
What is the inner shadow? [03:01]
What are the things about you that you think are not ideal?
What are you trying to hide?
What does it mean to do “shadow work?”
What does it mean to be “acceptable?” [06:11]
Who decides what’s acceptable and what’s not?
Was there a time where you said something and got unfavorable responses?
Do you want to be acceptable to you and be your optimal self?
What does “shadow work” entail? [10:16]
Seeking help from professionals
Abandoning the idea of perfectionism
You can’t fix other people if you’re broken
Projecting your inner shadow to others
The journey towards acceptance [15:57]
What the bible teaches us about accepting the non-ideal parts of us
What does it look like to be able to pivot from your mistakes?
How to live and not exist in fear
Walking away from shame
EPISODE QUOTES:
I think the idea that we would somehow come to love and accept all the parts of us is revolutionary for black community.
- Shaté Hayes
There was just this idea of that, like how your past coming back almost to haunt you quote, unquote, the parts of yourselves that you don't want to acknowledge, that you just want to bury, but when you actually accept them, the power, the strength—how it changes the course of your story, or experience.
- Scott Hayes
We go out, we interact with the world, and we basically gauge and we reconcile the books on what feels acceptable, what we got positive feedback from, and what we got negative feedback from. In our minds, we’ll process it as, “Well, that was a mistake, because people didn't like it.
- Scott Hayes
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
From BetterUp.com: The benefits of shadow work and how to use it in your journey
CHECK IN WITH SCOTT AND SHATÉ:
Spotify Playlist - Music for this moment.
Follow @iamshate on Instagram
Follow @scotthayes_lcsw on Instagram
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