Why Embracing Your Shadow Side is Crucial for Personal Growth

Over a month away from the longest night of the year, which marks the winter solstice and the return to light, we enter Scorpio season, a time of darkness and introspection. This is a perfect opportunity to embrace your shadow side.

Your shadow side is the part of your personality that you may try to hide from others, or even from yourself. It can represent your fears, insecurities, and hidden desires.

The Johari window is a tool that can help you uncover your shadow side. It is a simple exercise that you can do with a trusted friend or partner.

To do the Johari window exercise, write down a list of adjectives that describe yourself. Then, ask your partner or friend to do the same.

Next, divide a piece of paper into four quadrants. Label the quadrants as follows:

• Arena: These are the parts of yourself that are known to both you and others.

• Blind spot: These are the parts of yourself that are known to others but not to you.

• Hidden area: These are the parts of yourself that are known to you but not to others.

• Unknown: These are the parts of yourself that are known to neither you nor others.

Now, start placing your adjectives in the appropriate quadrants. For example, if you are a self-described extrovert, that would go in the Arena quadrant. If your partner describes you as being bossy, but you don't see yourself that way, that would go in the Blind spot quadrant.

Once you have placed all of your adjectives in the quadrants, you can discuss the results with your partner or friend. This can help you to better understand yourself and your shadow side.

Embracing your shadow side is not about accepting your negative qualities. It is about becoming aware of them and integrating them into your personality. This can lead to greater self-acceptance and personal growth.

With Love,

Nasreen xx