Once we become aware of our unconscious or shadow aspects, we then move into a new realm of discovery. What are our ingrained perceptions and beliefs which are causing us to create these manifestations in our lives? Further, what behaviors do we use to keep ourselves in the dark about our own actions and reactions? This is where the work gets tricky as we are attempting to unravel a tornado of emotions, repressed memories and very ingrained behavioral patterns.
An example: Joe suffers from anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. Unbenounced to Joe, his symptoms actually "mask" some deep and painful thoughts and beliefs which he has carried since early childhood. Although his symptoms seem "terrible" for anyone to endure, they actually are more comfortable to him than the deeper beliefs that he holds. Most people adopt some compensatory habits to "handle" these negative and uncomfortable symptoms such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or marijuana, over-eating compulsively, or the socially acceptable behavior of exercising to excess. All these behaviors provide temporary relief of the uncomfortable symptoms but lead to unconscious dependence on substances or behaviors to endure life. In Joe's case the symptoms were actually masking the underlying beliefs that he was unlovable and not worthy of being cared for or protected.
Over several months, we were able to "unravel" the wound-up tornado of emotions, suffering, and behaviors and outline a path for Joe to follow in order to for him to live consciously and intentionally. It was only with intense courage and fortitude and vigilant focus on both his past wounds and on new conscious thoughts and behaviors that Joe was able to transform his suffering and begin to recover his power and strength.
Every week brought Joe new understanding and a brighter, more well-lit path. Healing happened and a new, fresh start was born.
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