My MS Shadow

Carl Jung and the shadow self

Carl Jung introduced the concept of the shadow, which refers to the unconscious aspects of the personality that are repressed, rejected, or disregarded. Jung’s work on the shadow has profoundly impacted psychology and personal growth. It encourages individuals to explore and integrate their shadow aspects as part of their journey toward self-discovery and self-acceptance.

As a coach, my mission is to work not only with my own shadow but also to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of their personalities towards a more holistic life. This requires adapting and developing new ways to navigate the world, finding alternate paths when old ones are no longer accessible. This process brings me and those around me closer to understanding our core motivations, fears and behavioural patterns, while shedding light on the shadow aspects of our personalities.

Little did I know that delving into Jungian psychology would have a profound impact on me and confront me with my shadow material on a deeper level. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an invisible companion that resides within the bodies of those living with the disease. It can be an incredibly challenging and isolating experience, often difficult for those without firsthand knowledge to comprehend fully. MS weaves through the central nervous system, leaving trails of uncertainty and unpredictability. It disrupts proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body, with symptoms appearing and disappearing, leaving those affected in a state of constant flux.

Facing my MS shadow

In the same way that understanding our shadow helps us gain insight into different aspects of our personalities, I realise that the same must be done with my MS shadow. Confronting and embracing this new journey with honesty and compassion is crucial, rather than repressing and ignoring it. Recognising the shadow also enables me to take responsibility for my thoughts, emotions, and actions. By reframing the MS shadow, I have the opportunity for personal growth and transformation, as well as cultivating empathy for others on the same journey. Developing healthier relationships is possible as I become more attuned to the hidden complexities of MS and how it affects me and those around me.

Over time, I hope to embody and embrace the MS shadow, engaging with this lifelong partner. Repressing or denying these shadow aspects only leads to an incomplete and fragmented sense of self. The MS shadow may be present, but it does not define our identities. By acknowledging and integrating our MS shadow into our lives, we can start working towards achieving a more holistic and balanced understanding of our identities and our new way of being. Embracing the MS shadow involves accepting and not judging the darker aspects of this new companion. It requires recognising that there will be good and challenging days. Choosing not to suppress or deny the pain, fatigue, and other difficulties that come our way but rather to approach them with curiosity and empathy. We can navigate towards a new way of dealing with its fluctuations in severity and confront fear when it catches us by surprise.

Dancing with the darkness

Practising compassion with ourselves enables us to support others in their shadow pathway. We become listening partners, creating safe spaces for exploring and processing the shadow aspects. We gain greater empathy, compassion, and understanding by exchanging our journeys and lessons learnt. Despite the challenges posed by the MS shadow, it also serves as a testament to the resilience and strength within individuals living with MS. We are a unique “Shadow Crowd” and possess remarkable adaptability, courage, and perseverance as we gracefully navigate our new world and find alternative paths when the familiar ones are no longer accessible.