Beginning Shadow Work With
Self-Actualization
What Is Self-Actualization?
It’s important to begin shadow work with self-actualization. Self-actualization is the first step along the shadow work journey. Similar to Carl Jung’s concept of individualization, self-actualization is the process of self-awareness, self-discovery and personal transformation. Creating an awareness around your self-esteem issues, limiting beliefs (beliefs that inhibit positive development), and other core beliefs will help you to acknowledge your undesirable traits and habits, otherwise known as your “shadow.”
(Are you new to shadow work? You can click here to go to the blog where I go in depth about shadow work and understanding the “shadow self.”)
Why Is Self-Actualization Important?
By practicing this self-awareness, you will gain the ability to assess your shadow characteristics and patterns. This will help you better understand why and how you express them in the ways that you do. Only then can you begin taking the necessary steps towards changing these undesirable traits and habits for good.
My favorite analogy for the approach to shadow work is that of using the GPS system: it isn’t until you’ve put in your current location that you will be able to determine directions for where it is you would like to go.
Envision your destination as the positive trait, habit or characteristic that you’d like to embody. Consider the self-actualization process to be the step in which your “location” is discovered. Though the directions themselves may not determined at this stage, knowing your ‘current location’ will serve as a compass to help guide you through the negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs and triggers you may come across along the journey of shadow work.
What’s The Process of Self-Actualization Look Like?
The process of self-actualization will help you to acknowledge where you are, so that you can adequately assess what you would like to change. With this understanding you will be able to properly create plans for the future that are in alignment with your overall goal. The path of self-actualization can be difficult, no matter how eager or well-intended.
There will undoubtedly be times of frustration and despair. Circumstances will arise in life to test your will and your desire to truly change for good. You will pass some tests with flying colors and “fail” others by falling back into old habits.
Know that every experience should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be kind to yourself and learn to honor your journey all the same. You are an ever-evolving, learning, and maturing individual. As such, self-actualization takes time and continuous effort.
Recognize how long it took you to reach your current destination and learn to understand that changing your path will naturally take time.
This is why beginning shadow with with self-actualization is the first big step along the shadow journey. It’s creating insight and appreciation for where you are along your path, and using this awareness to steer through your shadow journey with intention. Naturally, the directions along your path may not yet be clear at this stage. But rest assured that with consistent effort, you will gain the clarity and confidence needed to continue forward.
Understanding Self-Actualization On A Deeper Level
Dr. Abraham Maslow pioneered the study of self-actualization and is best known for his “Hierarchy of Needs” theory. As a humanistic psychologist, Maslow defined the theory as a hierarchy of 5 stages of personal development along the path to self-actualization. The five stages include: physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness and love, personal esteem needs and self-actualization.
1. Physiological Needs: food, sleep, sex
2. Safety Needs: security, order, stability
3. Belongingness & Love: affection & strong bonding relationships
4. Personal Esteem Needs: the need & desire to seek or prove self-worth
5. Self-Actualization: need to fulfill one’s higher purpose or calling; when met, creates feeling oneness with the universe
6. Self-Transcendence: need to offer oneself to the service of others; the pinnacle of personal development where ego attachments are virtually eliminated
According to Maslow, in order to progress from one level to the next, each area or need must first become fulfilled and satisfied. It’s important to note that an ebb and flow between levels is also to be expected. As such, even a person who has reached a level of self-actualization will experience challenges and will not stay in that position indefinitely.
"What a man can be he must be. This need we call
self-actualization."
14 Values of the Self-Actualized Individual
01. Effortlessness: ease; lack of strain; grace
02. Perfection: ending; fulfillment; destiny
03. Richness: complexity; differentiation; intricacy
04. Truth: honesty; purity; bravery
05. Goodness: rightness; benevolence; desirability
06. Beauty: richness; wholeness; uniqueness
07. Completion: finality; fate; justice
08. Aliveness: spontaneity; full-functioning; self-regulating
9. Uniqueness: novelty; individuality; idiosyncrasy
10. Playfulness: fun, joy; exuberance
11. Justice: fairness, impartiality; orderliness
12. Self-sufficiency: autonomy; independence; self-determination
13. Effortlessness: ease; lack of strain; grace
14. Dichotomy-transcendence: acceptance; integration; synergy
Motivational Values of the Self-Actualized Individual
(also known as Eternal Verities, Being Values, or B-Values)
Self-actualizing people are motivated by “eternal verities,” also known as B-values (the “B” stands for “being”). These B-values are seen as “meta needs” and reflect the ultimate aspirations of the human being. According to Maslow, those who pursue B-values show signs of psychological health and tend to possess a sense of life purpose. The type of motivation that self-actualizing individuals have, in pursuing values beyond their own personal needs, is known as “meta motivation” or B-motivation.
Self-actualizing individuals use B-motives as forms of expression, not simply as coping mechanisms, and are driven by “meta motivations” to solve problems outside of themselves. Maslow believed that fulfillment of these B-values further leads down the path of self-actualization. He also hypothesized that thwarted B-motivations will eventually lead to “metapathology,” meaning the frustration and anxiety caused by not having these needs met. In turn, not expressing these “meta motivations” in the pursuit of B-values has the potential to manifest physically in the form of existential illness, and can lead to feelings of lack due to unmet expectations of full potential.
I know that it’s not easy. I know that I can get lonely sometimes. But know that you are NEVER alone on this journey. I’ve got your back. Just learn to take your journey one day at a time, one step at a time. Love you. -Snowi : )
Are you feeling on the edge of a massive personal transformation, but not sure how to make the leap..
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Learn how to establish spiritual awareness within yourself
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Snowi Lee, Founder of Poetic Touch Therapy and The Haven Sisterhood & Self-Published Author
Hello Queen!!
My name is Snowi. I’m an Author, Spiritual Advisor & Self-Discovery Coach.
I help women along the journey of self-discovery through self love. My divine mission is to help women to discover happier, healthier and calmer versions of themselves. It’s my absolute honor to serve you.
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