The Shadow Work Process

 According to psychology and metaphysics, the shadow is a representation of ones's unconscious drives. In metaphysics, a field in philosophy which analyzes the nature of being (not actual physics), shadows are used to further analyze the self and reach a deeper stage of realization. Therefore, by understanding one's shadow one understands the hidden motives behind their actions, and consequently understands one's self more thoroughly.

Of course these philosophies on shadows don't mean actual physical shadows, but it would be cool to represent these ideas visually through real shadows in my film opening.

So metaphysics has an outlined process which individuals can follow to come into terms with their "shadow" and achieve a deeper understanding of one's self. The goal of the process is to engage in a 'two-way' attention with your shadow. This process will be the basis of my narrative and will be visually communicated by representing shadow integration through unique lighting and cast shadows.

The process is as follows:

"1. Choose an experience in your life that you want to work with. It’s often easier to begin with a person with whom you have difficulty (e.g., lover, relative, boss). This person may irritate, disturb, annoy, or upset you. Or maybe you feel attracted to, obsessedwith, infatuated with, or possessive about this person. In any case, choose someone with whom you have a strong emotional charge,whether positive or negative.

2. Face It : Now, imagine this person. Determine and analyze those qualities that most upset you, or the characteristics that you are most attracted to using 3rd-person language (he, she, it). 

3. Talk to It: Begin an imaginary dialogue with this person. Speak in 2nd person to this person (using “you” language).  Ask them questions such as “Why are you doing this to me?” “What do you want from me?” “What are you trying to show me?” “What do you have to teach me?” Imagine their response to these questions. 

4. Be It: Become this person. Take on the qualities that either annoy or fascinate you. Embody the traits you described in “Face It.” Use 1st-person language ( I, me, mine). This may feel awkward, and it should. The traits you are taking on are the exact traits that you have been denying in yourself. Use statements such as “I am angry,” ”I am jealous,” “I am radiant.” Fill in the blank with whatever qualities you are working with: “I am__________.”

5. To complete the process, notice these disowned qualities in yourself. Experience the part of you that is this very trait. Avoid making the process abstract or conceptual: just BE it. Now you can re-own this trait in yourself.”"

works cited

Shadow Integration: The Complete Shadow Work Process in Four Steps | Metaphysics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2015, from http://beforeitsnews.com/metaphysics/2011/10/shadow-integration-the-complete-shadow-work-process-in-four-steps-1266173.html