Making friends with your shadow - online

Most of us have parts that we may squash, cringe at, push away, fight against, ignore or maybe aren’t aware even exist. An opportunity exists to bring a part of you into physical form through creative expression and explore yourself, your relationship with this part and what you can learn from it. How does it meld with you in your current existence? How is it felt in your body? Why does it exist? What would it be like to fully integrate it into your being?

The term 'Shadow' was first coined by psychiatrist Carl Jung and refers to - The unconscious part of our character or personality that does not align with the ideal version of what we’re aiming for; therefore we push it down, seeing it as 'unacceptable'.  - Carl Jung

Some real-world examples of the shadow (each person's experience will be different)

🌱The person who has difficulty feeling & expressing anger because they've learnt that they need to be 'nice'

🌱The person who has difficulty feeling & expressing sadness because they learnt it's weak to be sad and cry.

🌱The person who feels like they can't focus on themselves because it's 'selfish' and they've learnt that they need to meet other people's needs first.

🌱The person who feels like they can't rest because they've learnt that working hard is what brings success and makes them worthy.

These are a few of so many manifestations of the shadow.

The shadow sees extremes and black and white. What can often happen in integration is that a balanced experience can emerge so using one of the examples from above - a person feels they can care for themselves as well as others.

You're invited to join Kim and a small group of other like beings to spend a slow afternoon connecting with and expressing this part. We begin in meditation to connect with this part, we then move to externalising it - sculpt, paint, draw or build this expression in whatever way feels right for you. Lastly, we'll then open dialogue with this part to learn from it, and there will be an opportunity to voice and share. All elements are completely voluntary. Absolutely no art experience is necessary.

When might this be helpful?

✨If you have a niggling awareness of a part of yourself that you feel like you'd rather not be there

✨If you consistently notice traits or behaviours in others that bother you - this is a big one, sometimes it's others that show us parts of ourselves that we might be denying

✨If you want to feel deeper acceptance for yourself.

✨If you're curious about exploring and seeing what aspects of your shadow might be there.

'One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious’ - Carl Jung

Details

🗓️Time and Date 21st July 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm AEST

🌱Art supplies You will need some art materials on hand, however, these can be freely found in household or garden items, they don't need to be anything fancy. Guidance on collecting materials will be sent upon confirmation.

🌒 I have allowed for 8 places to ensure I can give time to everyone.

✨ Included in your ticket is a 20-minute pre-session chat. This is a chance for us to connect and begin the process of exploring which aspect of your shadow you'd like to connect with. This is optional. A link will be sent to you upon booking to book this chat if you'd like.

💕 Session will be online via Microsoft Teams - details will be sent upon confirmation.

🌱 This is an 18+ event.

Your ticket includes:

✨ 4-hour workshop

✨ A 20-minute pre-session chat.

💵 Investment - The investment is your energy & an amount that feels comfortable for you between $80 - $100

🐣 Early Bird - If you book before 14th June, you will receive a complimentary 40-minute wrap-up session - this is a chance for a 1:1 space just for you. You can delve further into the exploration of your shadow, explore integration or simply share what came up.

The experience of past participant Mark - I have to say a massive thank you to you for introducing us to shadow work, a price can really not be put on it. I have had realisations that have greatly improved my family relationships.

FAQ

❓Do I need to be on the screen the whole time? - While it's helpful to be able to see you, you'll only spend a small amount of time needing to look at the screen, so no screen fatigue!

❓Do I have to 'make friends' with my shadow? Absolutely not. The process is designed for you to have the opportunity to become more aware of an aspect of your shadow and learn its purpose, however, you end up feeling about it at the end is ok.

❓Is it scary to connect with your shadow? Sometimes discomfort can come up when we've been trying to push a part away for a long time. For this reason, we go very gently and you are supported the whole way. You also can pause & take a break at any time.

❓Do I need any art experience? - Not at all. The process is about creating something that represents a part of you, it doesn't need to look any certain way, what's important is the process, not the product. 

I welcome any questions you have - reach out:

Email: connect@kimbernardina.com.au Phone: 0402 281 434

If you feel called, I look forward to bringing light to the shadow with you.

Kim 😊

About the facilitator:

Kim is an Art Therapist and Counsellor offering 1:1 and group Art Therapy and Counselling sessions online & face-to-face in Newcastle NSW. She holds space for people to gently work through difficulties & what is present for them, connect to & integrate parts of their being and learn & live their inner bodily rhythm. She does this through using art expression & exploration to tap into their inner wisdom & body’s guidance so that they may live their joy & full expression of themselves.

Learn more @ www.kimbernardina.com.au