(image: youtube.com)
Arang kadugyom pirme an
kalibutan.
Affirmation
plays a crucial role in childhood development. Young children need to feel
valued and appreciated to cultivate a future where their confidence remains
intact. Without consistent affirmation, developmental gaps in self-esteem may
persist and even intensify as they age.
While
some argue that adulthood offers the ability to overcome childhood
insecurities, evidence and research suggest otherwise. These unresolved
deficits often continue to affect individuals well into adulthood, persisting
through old age.
When
the desire for affirmation and other unmet needs overwhelm an individual, The Shadow
begins to consume their persona, distorting how they present themselves to the
world.
Carl
Jung's concept of The Shadow(1921) refers to the unconscious and often repressed
aspects of an individual's personality—traits, desires, or behaviors that the
person refuses to acknowledge because they are considered undesirable, socially
unacceptable, or contrary to one’s self-image.
These
aspects remain hidden in the unconscious but can strongly influence thoughts,
emotions, and behavior, often manifesting in ways the person may not recognize
or control.
This
writer is deeply fascinated by Carl Jung’s concept of The Shadow, believing it
holds profound significance in shaping an individual's psyche. It is as though
this hidden aspect of the self, if left unchecked and nurtured, has the
potential to haunt or even overpower the individual, exerting a powerful
influence over their thoughts and actions.
While
The Shadow cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be integrated and managed
through conscious awareness and self-reflection. This process is central to
Jung’s concept of individuation, where a person strives to become a more whole
and balanced version of themselves by confronting and accepting their Shadow.
Jung
emphasized that the goal is not to control or suppress the Shadow, but to
integrate it. Suppressing the Shadow can lead to it manifesting in unintended
ways, such as through projection or irrational behavior. By acknowledging the
darker, hidden parts of oneself, individuals can gain insight into their
unconscious motivations and desires, ultimately reducing the Shadow’s
unconscious influence.
The
Shadow cannot be "controlled" in the traditional sense, but it can be
integrated through self-awareness, acceptance, and introspection. By doing so, individuals
can harness its potential and prevent it from unconsciously sabotaging their
life.
If
not, darkness consumes their world.