Carl Gustav Jung believed that, like plants, people “grow” in different ways—some thrive in light, while others grow best in the shadows. He used the concept of the “shadow” to describe the darker, often hidden parts of our personality. This shadow contains our repressed desires, flaws, and instincts, including animalistic drives for power and aggression. Instead of facing these traits, we often deny or ignore them, hoping they’ll disappear. But what we bury doesn’t go away. It settles deep within our unconscious and shapes our behavior in hidden ways. Jung argued that we must confront this shadow if we want to grow and live fully. More: Past life regression – much more than a passing trend
The persona is the mask we wear in relation to the world and others. It is created through a combination of socialization, societal expectations, one’s experience of the world, and the natural attributes and tendencies of the individual. It combines elements of how we want to see ourselves, ideally, and how we want the world to see us, as well as how the world does see us and wants us to be.
Carl Gustav Jung
The shadow is closely tied to the persona or the social mask we wear. Our persona includes the qualities we show the world—traits we think will earn approval or respect. We start building this persona early in life, learning which parts of ourselves others like or dislike. Over time, we identify so closely with this social mask that we start believing it represents our true self, pushing unwanted traits out of sight, even from ourselves. These hidden traits form the shadow in our unconscious.
To Carl Gustav Jung, healing and growth require facing the shadow, understanding it, and integrating these repressed aspects into our conscious self. More: What is the psychology behind exaggeration?
Embracing the shadow within
Carl Gustav Jung believed that each person carries a “shadow,” the hidden side of our personality that holds traits and impulses we deny or reject. These traits gather in the unconscious, creating a “splinter personality” that stands apart from our conscious self. While we may not always recognize our shadow directly, it doesn’t stay silent; instead, it operates on its own, sometimes influencing our moods and actions without our awareness. One common way the shadow surfaces is through projection, where we see in others the flaws, weaknesses, or “evil” we won’t admit in ourselves. We might criticize or judge others harshly, unaware we’re reacting to our hidden traits.
The shadow can also reveal itself in our everyday behavior, especially under stress or conflict, when our conscious mind has less control. During these moments, repressed parts of ourselves can surge forward in ways that surprise or even hurt us and others. Jung noted that people often refuse to acknowledge their shadow side, boasting they have no inner conflicts. But denying this hidden side can lead to negative patterns—sudden mood swings, physical symptoms like stomach issues, and other nervous reactions. The shadow doesn’t disappear just because we ignore it; instead, it disrupts us unpredictably. More: How can stoicism wisdom help you become less reactive to negative events?
Jung believed that true growth involves accepting and exploring the shadow. Instead of hiding from these uncomfortable parts, we can turn inward with self-reflection and honest assessment. We can realize our social “persona” only represents part of who we are. Through self-exploration, we can integrate the shadow’s traits, embracing our whole self for a more balanced and authentic life. More: Integrity evaluation: Where do you stand?
Exploring the depths of our shadow
Not all parts of our shadow lie within easy reach. Some traits hide too deeply in our unconscious for simple self-reflection to reveal. To discover these hidden aspects, Jung suggested using a few different techniques. First, pay attention to the strong emotional reactions you have toward traits in others. These often reflect qualities within yourself that you’ve pushed out of conscious awareness. Another approach is to observe the shadows of people close to you. Often, aspects of our shadow are shaped by social and cultural influences and may be shared with family members or friends. By examining what they repress, we can uncover clues about our hidden traits.
Gaining insight into our shadow doesn’t just expose our flaws—it also brings out the best parts of us in sharper relief. Jung believed that understanding the dark side of our personality allows us to appreciate our positive qualities. By confronting our shadow, we see both our flaws and virtues more clearly. This process helps us realize, “I’m not as bad as I feared,” while also showing the potential for inner growth.
Awareness of our hidden weaknesses also reduces their power over our lives. For instance, if we recognize tendencies like anger, selfishness, or jealousy, we can better manage and control these traits rather than let them disrupt us. Jung argued that bringing these darker traits into consciousness lets us make them a part of our overall personality, reducing their harmful influence. More: Forest bathing as a natural therapy to reduce stress
Our shadow also contains strong drives and instincts, such as the pursuit of power, aggression, and sexuality, that can serve as sources of energy. When we become aware of these forces and channel them toward meaningful goals, they can fuel personal growth, and creativity, and help us embrace the full scope of a satisfying life.
Healing through self-reflection: Confronting the shadow with Carl Gustav Jung
The shadow is not just a collection of flaws and animalistic instincts. It also holds our strengths and talents that we may have suppressed due to a difficult upbringing or the pressures of society. Some people might deny their intelligence, creativity, or ability to stand up against authority. Jung emphasized that the shadow includes not only undesirable traits but also healthy instincts and valuable insights.
To tap into the positive aspects of our shadow, we need to do more than simply acknowledge its existence. We must actively integrate these hidden elements into our daily lives. As Erich Neumann noted, recognizing the shadow means allowing it to express itself rather than forcing it back into the dark like a prisoner.
By reconnecting with both the positive and negative sides of our shadow, we create a more complete and healthy personality. This wholeness makes us more appealing to others. People often distrust those who appear too perfect or overly identified with their social masks. A well-rounded character acknowledges strengths as well as weaknesses. Jung pointed out that true strength lies in understanding our vulnerabilities.
Confronting our shadow can also help heal societal divides. When we recognize our flaws, we stop projecting them onto others, which leads to scapegoating and conflict. Many people focus on external issues without recognizing their internal struggles. By facing our shadows, we contribute positively to society, realizing that the problems in the world often reflect our inner conflicts. Only by understanding ourselves can we hope to understand and address the broader issues we face together. More: Emotions as teachers: What can we learn from them?
