Shadow release session

Shadow release or a Shadow-self session is a great practice that helps someone gain greater self-awareness. To uncover and acknowledge emotions and triggers in order to let go and heal past wounds.

To do your own session be sure you set aside time, a safe non-judgmental space, have your journal and be open and honest. The session can take 30mins to an hour and involves three stages:

1) Setting your intention while grounding/settling yourself to regulate your nervous system:

Find your quiet spot, close your eyes, and take deep rhythmic breath's.

Ask yourself: "What do I need to clear?"

Listen quietly for 5-10mins as you explore the thoughts and emotions that come up

2) The next 20-30 mins involve taking time to explore what's triggering you. Focus on a recent event that caused an intense emotional or behavioral response. Pull out your journal to explore why that event made you lose temporary control of your emotions. Ask some questions to help release and shine light on the shadow:

What specific word or action made me react with anger, sadness, shame?

What past memory does this attach itself to or remind me of?

What's preventing me from overcoming it?

What steps can I take to stand in my journey?

3) Now that you have uncovered some of the seeds and roots and you sat in them, you felt them, it's time to shake them loose. You are not your past, you are not that moment, you are more than your fears and anxieties.

Forgive yourself for carrying and allowing the burden.

Stop reinforcing negativity

Stop focusing on the struggle

Trust the path, love again, let nature takes its course

Remove the blockage.

Celebrate what you have accomplished

Focus on wellness and gratitude

Close out your session but writing one actionable compassionate way you will practice self-care moving forward.