In the depths of my past, much like countless others, I found myself trapped under the dominion of my inner shadow, my inner child who never quite grew alongside the rest of me.

The Shadow’s Silent Shield

The shadow, portrayed as a little girl or boy who has dissociated from themselves, acts as an unconscious protector for us. This disowning serves as a way to safeguard our well-being. The shadow takes on the responsibility of keeping us safe by operating in the background.

Safeguarding Adults for Mental Detachment and Pain Protection

The concept of shielding and dissociation is brought forth as a way to guide the adults in our lives, by protecting us from pain and allowing us to mentally detach from difficult situations.

The child that we once were relied on primal survival instincts, as children do not have healthy coping strategies. Our psyche and unconscious step in to compensate for this.

Unveiling the Shadow

The shadow is a result of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse, as well as instability and toxicity during our developmental years. The shadow is the aspect of ourselves that fragmented from the rest of us to preserve itself in the short term, but ultimately ends up destroying our lives through personality disorders.

This behavior is responsible for our propensity to be easily triggered, experiencing uncontrollable anger akin to that of a child, or becoming vindictive and calculated. Consequently, it leaves little room for us to embrace vulnerability and genuine connection with others.

Acknowledging the Unseen

Unresolved trauma and neglected parts of our identity persist indefinitely, even if we try to dismiss or ignore them. The deep wounds and ignored aspects of ourselves remain present within us, steadfastly refusing to vanish.

Merely pretending that something didn’t happen or choosing to move on from it does not result in true healing or resolution. These painful experiences and unacknowledged parts of ourselves demand attention and acknowledgement in order to truly heal and grow.

The Influence of Memory

Our memories play a crucial role in shaping our lives, impacting not only our actions and thoughts but also our responses to various situations. Even if we are unable to consciously recollect a particular memory, it still exerts its influence, subtly guiding our reactions, behaviors, and thought processes. The power of memory lies not only in the recollection of specific events but also in its ability to shape our overall perception and experience of life.

The Unshakeable Presence

Just like your physical organs, your shadow is an inseparable part of who you are. It is an intrinsic and unavoidable aspect of your being, always there in the background.

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No matter how hard you try, you cannot completely eliminate or detach yourself from your shadow. It remains a constant companion, following you wherever you go.