Carl Jung’s Shadow Concept. Why Is It So Hard to Face Our Darker Sides?
Hi everyone,
I've recently been diving into Jungian psychology, and one idea that really struck me is Carl Jung’s concept of the “shadow.” He describes it as the part of ourselves we hide, repress, or deny, often because it doesn’t fit with how we want to be seen, or how society tells us we should be.
Lately, I’ve been trying to face some of my own shadow elements, things like fear, shame, and anger and I’ve found it both revealing and incredibly difficult.
Why do you think it’s so hard to confront our darker sides?
Have you ever had a moment where you saw a side of yourself you didn’t want to see?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences if you’re into Jungian ideas or just curious about inner work.
@portellibu
“Why do you think it’s so hard to confront our darker sides?”
Because we’re convinced that it’s “darker.” There’s all that social and cultural conditioning that tells us to be ashamed of it. “Shadow” side is a somewhat better term because it’s commonly kept out of sight – stuffed in a closet.
Our minds exist in layers, roughly corresponding to evolutionary stages. There’s a form of sentience and reactivity that actually pre-exists the brain as we generally understand it. Once upon a time, our ancestors weren’t concerned about doing the “right thing,” other than the right thing was whatever kept them alive. Tribalism was a survival strategy, especially at a time when cannibalism was indeed “the right thing” for those who were doing the eating. So, people remained in small family groups, because the “other,” people might take food, kill, or whatever they thought was appropriate for their survival.
That early stage of mental evolution was thought of by some as the “reptilian brain,” but I think it was a bit more advanced, but not much. There was no concept of morality as we know it. The only “right thing” was whatever kept you alive.
I believe the impulses, jealousies, fear based hate of the unknown “other,” among other negative drives, are bits of programming that’s still part of our DNA.
It can be called the “darker side,” but I think it’s more accurate to say it’s the maladaptive side, who’s function is now obsolete and no longer acceptable. There’s no more reason to feel guilt for having those impulses than there is for having a certain color of hair or skin. SOME of the instincts derived from that programming can still be useful, for example when parents feel protective of their children.
There’s no shame in having this atavistic part of our nature. Some parts of it are still useful and worth celebrating. I suspect the drive to play comes from that evolutionary era. I have the impression that early forms of art and music started out then too.
Anyway, I don’t think there’s any shame in having a part of our nature that’s still more equipped to manage issues from the distant past. The shame is in acting on those impulses in a way that hurts others.
I don’t think there needs to be a distinction between a “darker” and “lighter” side within us. I think the distinction should be between which action promotes the greatest well-being for those involved, and what activities should be avoided.
I've had experience with it and I honestly feel disgusted of myself whenever I think of it and the things I led my curiosity do because of it 🙁 but there's no one else to blame it's me who did it. I feel shame, anger, disturbed and triggered even if I think of them. Not because I think they're " my darker side " everyone has there's but because what harm it causes to others...our loved ones, innocent people and the self-hatred it leds to starts making you even worse :(
I think the only way you can actually handle it is by having control over ur mind and actions. Being self conscious / aware of what ur doing seeking help... and practing mindfulness. By removing urself from the toxic place/environment whatever its leading you into ur darker self. no matter how much rules/laws you read If you stay in the environment and influence in most cases you will be naturally drawn towards the unwanted. and I've learnt it's okay to seek help even when it feels like no one else's can understand...
@fossilfellow
I agree, it's best to place yourself in an environment that gives you the best chance to be your best self.
All that shame and guilt stuff is useful for knowing when to change habits or direction. Once that's been accomplished, you're no longer the person who deserves to feel that self-directed negativity. In fact, prolonged self-deprecation and guilt makes it much more difficult to maintain a positive direction in life.
Making mistakes and learning from them, doing things only to regret them later, dealing with embarrassing habits, all of those things, once experienced and dealt with, makes a person of greater value, and increases their wisdom and capacity for empathy.
Who's more likely to be a strong and supportive friend, one who's principles haven't been challenged and has no experience with the "darker" impulses, or one who's faced them, faced and accepted the guilt and regret and is still a decent person?
I'd rather have a friend who's struggled with the "darkness," and accepted its challenge, than have one who has either not struggled, or is in denial of it.
@Spritriver ❤️❤️