Leaning Into Your Shadows: A Journey Toward Healing and Self-Understanding

Hello, hello! I’m Whit, your friendly Energy Empowerment Guide with a camp counselor vibe, and today we’re diving into something a bit deeper: shadows. I’m not talking about the kind of shadows you see on the wall—I’m talking about the ones we experience inside. They’re those hidden or darker aspects of ourselves that can sometimes show up as pain, discomfort, or unresolved challenging emotions. 

But let’s start by acknowledging this: shadows aren’t inherently bad. They’re part of who we are, and as uncomfortable as they may feel at times, they can offer us profound opportunities for growth. The key is to understand and work with them, rather than fear or reject them.

So, as always, I tuned into this energy, the energy of shadows, and here’s the question and messages that came through:

Where am I experiencing pain and what does it mean to me?

I know—it’s a big one. But if you’re willing to sit with this question, you might be surprised by what comes up.

Pain Isn’t Just Physical

Let’s break this down a bit. When I say “pain,” I’m not just talking about physical pain, although that’s definitely part of it. Pain can show up in many forms—mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. You might be feeling a heaviness in your heart, stress in your mind, or a sense of disconnect from yourself. All of these are valid experiences of pain, and they’re worth exploring.

When I sat with this question myself, I noticed how often we try to push pain away, thinking it’s something we should avoid. But what if instead of resisting it, we leaned in? What if we asked, “What is this pain trying to show me? What message does it have for me right now?”

Shadows as Sacred Teachers

In many ancient and indigenous traditions, the concept of shadows and inner pain is viewed not as something to fear, but as a guide to deeper understanding. For example, in Native American spiritual practices, the idea of embracing the “dark side” is seen as essential for achieving balance. The medicine wheel, a sacred tool, represents the interconnectedness of all aspects of life—light and shadow, joy and pain. It teaches that only by facing our shadows can we walk the full circle of life and move toward wholeness.

Similarly, the Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and healing by addressing inner conflicts. This ancient wisdom suggests that pain and disharmony arise when we are out of alignment with our true selves. By engaging in forgiveness and self-reflection, practitioners work to heal not only their personal wounds but also the collective energy of their community.

Even in Vedic traditions, shadow work is reflected in the concept of samskaras—impressions left on the soul by past experiences. These are often seen as blocks to enlightenment and personal growth. Through practices like meditation and self-inquiry, these ancient systems invite individuals to confront their pain, release past attachments, and transcend into higher states of awareness.

The common thread here? Shadows are not the enemy; they are sacred teachers. When approached with respect and curiosity, they can lead to profound healing and self-realization.

The Neuroscience of Pain and Growth

From a modern science perspective, our experience of pain—whether physical or emotional—plays a significant role in shaping who we are. Research shows that emotional pain activates the same brain regions as physical pain, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. This overlap explains why heartbreak or deep sadness can feel just as “real” as a physical wound.

But here’s where it gets fascinating: studies in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself—show that leaning into challenging emotions rather than avoiding them can actually rewire our brain for resilience. For example, mindfulness practices like meditation have been shown to reduce activity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and increase connections in areas associated with emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Statistics back this up: a study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals who engaged in mindfulness-based stress reduction experienced a 38% reduction in emotional distress. Additionally, journaling about difficult experiences can boost immune function and lower stress hormones, according to research by psychologist James Pennebaker.

By approaching pain as an opportunity for growth rather than something to escape, we can harness its transformative power. Modern psychology even recognizes this process in frameworks like post-traumatic growth (PTG), which suggests that individuals who face adversity often emerge with greater personal strength, deeper relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The science is clear: when we work with our shadows and pain, we not only heal but also evolve into more resilient and authentic versions of ourselves.

Listening to Your Pain: A Personal Experience

I’ll share a little story here. A bit ago, I was dealing with some pain in my legs from a dog bite. No matter what I did—energy work, herbal remedies, even going to a doctor—it just wouldn’t go away. I was frustrated, to say the least. But then I remembered my own advice (funny how that works, huh?) and decided to sit with it. Instead of focusing on just the physical sensation, I asked myself: What does this pain represent?

As I journaled, I realized the pain was connected to more than just my body. It was linked to beliefs that I deserved to get bitten, and when I dug deeper, I found out those beliefs were tied to feelings of worthiness or lack thereof. Even with all the decades of inner work I had done, I was still carrying around these beliefs and feelings and the dog bite brought them to the surface for me to either sit with and heal or push away and continue the cycle. 

Once I understood this connection, I started working on releasing those beliefs of self punishment and unworthiness and began transmuting them into self love. Slowly but surely, my leg pain eased.

Now, I’m not saying every physical pain is tied to an emotional root or belief, but in my case, there was a connection. And that’s why it’s important to trust what comes up for *you* when you explore your own pain. You are the expert of your experience, after all.

Getting to the Root: What Does Your Pain Represent?

Let’s get back to the second part of the question: What does this pain represent to me?

This is where things get interesting. Often, we’re used to hearing other people tell us what our pain “means.” Maybe a doctor, a friend, or a well-meaning wellness guru has given you their take on why you’re experiencing what you’re experiencing. And while outside perspectives can be helpful, ultimately, the most valuable insights come from within.

For example, if you’re experiencing emotional pain—maybe feelings of anxiety or sadness—what could that represent for you? Is it a sign that you’ve been neglecting your needs? Is it a signal that something in your life feels out of balance? When you ask these questions, you create space for answers that are personal and tailored to your unique journey.

A friend of mine recently went through this process. She had been feeling intense anxiety for weeks, and no matter what she tried—deep breathing, exercise, distraction—the anxiety stuck around. After sitting with this very question, she realized that her anxiety was connected to feeling like she wasn’t being true to herself in her career. She was spending all her time in a job that didn’t align with her values, and her body was sending her signals to pay attention. 

Once she understood what the anxiety represented, she began making small shifts in her work life, and over time, the anxiety lessened. It wasn’t an overnight fix, but it was a step toward healing that wouldn’t have been possible without tuning in to what her pain was trying to communicate.

How to Work With Your Shadows

So, how do we take this question and use it as a tool for healing? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Journaling: Grab a notebook and start writing. Begin with the first part of the question: “Where am I experiencing pain?” Be as detailed as you can. Then move to the second part: “What does this pain represent to me?” Let yourself write freely, without judgment. Don’t worry about being “right” or “wrong” in your answers—this is your experience. The Adventure Within journal is another option to get you in the habit of going within and exploring more of you.

The Adventure Within Journal is a great place to start your daily practice of going within to find more of you.

2. Meditation: If journaling isn’t your style, try meditating on the question. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on where you feel pain—whether it’s in your body, heart, or mind. Sit with that feeling and see what insights arise. You don’t need to force answers; just observe what comes up.

3. Body Awareness: If your pain is physical, try some mindful movement or gentle stretches. I’m personally a fan of ecstatic dance and even went during my dog bite recovery and swayed on the floor. haha As you move, ask yourself what the pain might be signaling to you. Does it represent stress, overwork, or something else? By tuning into your body, you might uncover patterns or emotions that you weren’t aware of before.

4. Trust Your Intuition: Above all, trust the insights that come to you. You know yourself better than anyone else. While it can be helpful to gather information from outside sources, your inner wisdom is incredibly powerful.

Final Thoughts

Working with your shadows and pain isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for your personal growth and empowerment. These parts of ourselves that we often try to avoid or ignore can be gateways to deeper self-understanding and healing.

So, next time you experience pain, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, I encourage you to pause and ask: “What does this represent to me?” You might be surprised by the answers you find.

And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. I put out a weekly email with channeled messages for humanity, post videos on YouTube and TikTok throughout the week, and have offerings throughout my website to assist with shifts to a more authentic you, so if you’re looking for more questions to explore or just need a little extra support, make sure to follow along. 

Love to you, always. 

*I HIGHLY recommend checking out Native and Indigenous sources to do a deeper dive into the topic covered. The very short paragraph included here has the intention to bring awareness to this perspective, but not speak for it. Please check out more in depth information directly from the source!