Shadow

The shadow is a part of your psyche that you are very hesitant to look at or to own as part of yourself. Often, what you judge in others, you deny in yourself. "To become conscious of your shadow requires that you recognize the dark aspects of your own personality as present and real" (Jung). To be a whole, integrated being and to live as your true self, it is necessary that you face your own shadow. 

When you look at your shadow and acknowledge it, it loses the power to emerge suddenly and forcefully during times of stress and crisis. When you acknowledge and become familiar with your shadow, much of the energy that was being used for denial becomes available for creative living. 

Look at your shadow and know what it's about. After you have become familiar with your shadow, whenever it emerges, you will be able to identify it. It will lose its power over you. It will not rule your behavior. 

~ Excerpt from SomatoEmotional Release 2, Upledger Institute Study Guide pg. 32