Intro to Shadow Work

6269 Pearl Road,Parma Heights OH 44130

18 January, 2023

Description

Join Cathy Foytik, LISW-S, holistic psychotherapist & altered state trauma specialist, in exploring ways to identify these unconscious parts (the shadow) & learn healthy ways to resolve these unconscious autonomous complexes causing you misery & suffering. What exactly is shadow work you ask?!?!? Shadow work is about exploring the unknown (individually & collectively.) The unknown lurks deep in the unconscious & subconscious parts of the psyche. It is automatically reacting inside each of us through Re-Enact-ing our past, projecting this out onto someone or something. The shadow when left hidden & unconscious creates harmful outcomes & consequences to ourselves & others. Even if you choose to be in denial of this fact, the harm is done & it can never be taken back. Shadow work is crucial for those who are sick of feeling stuck in this trap of misery & suffering. This type of work is crucial for those that have unresolved childhood wounds & trauma. (FYI....we ALL do!) We must learn how to bring the darkest parts of ourselves, into the light, into consciousness so that we can be in each moment mindfully with great clarity & awareness. We must recognize these parts controlling us in order to learn how to be in control of the shadow instead of it automatically (unconsciously) controlling us. Once you are aware of these shadow parts (this is the first step,) you can shift & transform the old unhealthy patterns into healthy choices & changes in each moment moving forward, all by recognizing a shadow part & knowing what to do with that wounded part within yourself. Many individuals are stuck in this automatic projection of their unconscious thoughts, feelings & behaviors. Many individuals choose (it is a choice) to stay stuck in a state of denial, delusions & illusions, & are then unconsciously (& at times consciously) choosing to stay stuck in the victim trap (also known as the codependency cycle.) One's denial & refusal to see the harm they have created to others & themselves in the process is a shadow aspect that lacks ownership & responsibility for what you say or don't say, do or don't do, & how you are thinking in those moments. When you are in the shadow parts of yourself you are stuck in the parts of yourself that are comfortable & easy, but also very harmful to yourself & others. When choosing to stay stuck here, one is lacking any responsibility. Let's face it, it is way easier to choose to stay stuck & blame, shame & judge others (or ourselves) than to do the necessary work to heal these parts that linger so deeply within ourselves. Your inner child is begging you to do this work!!! And it is work....lots & lots of work!!! The shadow doesn't have your best interest at heart, never has & never will. Your shadow will convince you of all the reasons (the lies & justifications) to stay in the darkness, in misery, in suffering & to stay stuck in this cycle. The shadow operates on auto pilot, as if you are on a merry go round that never stops. When in the shadow parts of yourself you will find yourself circling around over & over again with the same triggers, the same unhealthy patterns/behaviors & thoughts, with the same outcomes time & time again. Isn't it exhausting to keep going round & round in the pits of hell?!?!? There is no better time than now to face your demons, face your dark side & learn how to identify them within yourself so you can bring them into the light, into conscious awareness & take action & take the necessary steps to stop the vicious cycle. Bring a journal/note pad, writing utensil, a yoga mat, blanket, pillow & anything else you need to feel comfortable during the class, as we will be on the floor, on mats the full 90 minutes. Click here for Cathy's full bio