While it is not always clear in the moment, our shadows can consciously and unconsciously manifest in any number of ways. Becoming aware of how this may look can help us to manage our shadow manifestations when they do arise.
Below are some common ways that the shadow can come out, but of course, it is not conclusive. Please also keep in mind that when you observe these behaviours in others, it is not an invitation to assume their shadow. There may be other reasons someone is behaving a certain way. The information contained here is not to be used to diagnose or evaluate others. Part of shadow work is owning the process and staying in our own lane.
Generally speaking, the shadow may express in the following ways…
The need to be or appear “perfect” or “good”.
An inability to self-reflect and think critically about one’s actions/behaviours.
Always thinking one is right and others are wrong.
Projections.
Living outside of integrity i.e. saying one thing, but doing another.
Avoidance, denial or repression.
A sense of righteousness that falls to extremes.
Guilt, shame and blame.
Fears and phobias.
Disproportionate responses that appear to have a “mind of their own”.
Judgment of self or others.
Lying to self or others.
Extremes in behaviour i.e. aggressive vs timid, or open-minded with no discernment vs. skeptical of everything.
Perversions.
Wearing “masks”.
Intolerance and prejudices.
Denying/suppressing thoughts or emotions.
Going along with the crowd against better judgment.
Susceptibility to manipulation and coercion.
Behaviour that goes against value systems or causes inner tension.
Cycles, patterns, habits or addictions.
Labeling parts of self “bad” while others “good”.
Being overly critical of others and/or self.
Manifestations of the shadow can be observed along a spectrum. For some of us, they can come out as a grandiosity while in others, an insignificance. For example, the shadow can have one walking around with the belief that “I am superior to other beings”, but it can also show up as the belief that “I am not as deserving of others”. For some, their shadows may be consistently shielding them from the “darker” side of life while for others, doom and gloom may be the predominate view.
❂ Draw A Card Prompt: What is a way my shadow tends to manifest itself?