Meet Your Shadow on the Solstice

Today is December 21st, we've found ourselves in Winter Solstice. Known as the darkest night of the year and often reffered to as 'the dark night of the soul'. A powerful time to reflect upon, and meet, the depths of who we are.

Specifically, our shadow side. The parts of ourself that we tend to run from or hide from others. Parts that may, at times, leave us feeling shameful, unworthy or 'not enough'. For many of us, the shadow is born in childhood and with that a story created of how we have to be in order to be accepted and receive love. Unfortunately, unless worked with thoroughly, we carry this shadow narrative into adulthood where – as a result – we self sabotage, play small, project our pain and/or worst of all hold our limiting beliefs as truth.

When we find ourselves caught in the role just described we're by default masking the actual truth. That truth is found in the understanding that our darkness wields great power in helping us to align with our deepest desires and the most authentic version of ourselves. Making this day so special for that very reason.

The Solstice invites a celebration of this darkness within. An understanding that the whole of who we are is not limited to our light alone but the darkness that makes the brilliance of our light possible.

On the Winter Solstice, we have an opportunity to acknowledge and care for these dark bits. Gently accepting them and, if we so choose, alchemizing them. Yes, that's right, bringing dark into light.

How do we do this, exactly? It's pretty simple. Take this magical night and choose to sit with yourself. Light a candle, burn some incense, have some tea (or any other hot yummy) and grab a journal.

Reflect on the last year. In what ways were you playing small and why? What parts of yourself have you been hiding (from yourself or others)? Why? Look at the answers and ask yourself, "What am I really afraid of here?" Sit with that for a moment. Provide as much detail to yourself as possible. This work is all about discovery. And then discovering some more. Finding out where exactly these thoughts and beliefs originated so that you might integrate. Accepting and understand that the dark spots only make up a small piece of who you are.

When you're ready... thank those parts of yourself for doing their job in trying to protect you AND realize, they're also the things holding you back from your most authentic self.

Deep breaths and choose to release them. These shadows. Set an intention for a new way of showing up for yourself. Write those new ways down and how and who is going to help you stay in alignment.

Write a separate list of those limiting beliefs and burn the pages if that feels good, take a deep breath and step into the light.

More questions for reflection (take your pick or work through them all!):

1. When am I most activated (triggered) and why? (What specific situation)

2. Who am I most activated by? Why?

3. When I'm triggered my most dominate thoughts are:

4. Reflect on question 3. What is your deep need in this moment?

5. Can you acknowledge your inner child in question 3.

6. What does your inner child currently need to feel safe and loved?

7. When I'm triggered, I want to distract by:

8. What can I do to interrupt that pattern? (What am I willing to do?)

9. What areas of life do I feel unfulfilled? Why?

10. Who's responsible for the answers of question 9?

If you feel called, join me for a Winter Solstice meditation, reflection and journaling, tonight at 9pm EST. Find details on insta @tamarelli

XO Tamra