THE SHADOW KNOWS

In 1930 there was a radio show called the” Detective Story Hour” that had a mysterious narrator known as “The Shadow”.  The following year, due to public demand, this character was developed into a full-fledge crime-fighting hero in a magazine series and then, in 1937 he had his own radio drama series.  Orson Welles, who was then a very young actor was the voice for the program.  According to the script, he used hypnotic power to cloud men’s minds so that he could not be seen when battling criminals.

The beginning of the radio show began with the question “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts men?” followed by the answer “The Shadow Knows”.

Well, as strange as it might sound each of us has a shadow side and we usually don’t know exactly what hypnotic power it has to hide things even from ourselves. 

Most of us have heard about the importance of the first two years of a person’s life.  During that time, we not only learn how to roll over, crawl, walk and talk but we also develop ways of interacting with others based on the caregiving we receive.  Babies tend to mirror the person who they are with in a process called attunement.  The caregiver smiles and pays attention so the baby smiles and pays attention.

Unfortunately, many parents are stressed, overwhelmed, absent or even abusive and the baby therefore doesn’t have the interaction that will form into healthy behaviours in the future.  Instead the baby’s needs aren’t met. In the past I have written about how people can have different attachment styles including secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized.  Each of these manifests from the shadow self.  

Imagine viewing a huge iceberg.  We really only see about 10% of it because the large part is hidden under water.  That is the same situation as a person who only really accesses 10% of consciousness while 90% is in shadow form that is held in the subconscious.  Even when we are pre-verbal, the subconscious stores memories and behaviours which ultimately drive our behaviours throughout life.  

Shadow work is the process of exploring parts of us that are hidden or repressed.  These can include insecurities, fears, unresolved traumas, negative beliefs or undesirable traits.  Achieving health and wholeness starts with recognizing and integrating these hidden parts.  The process can be painful, but the results are freeing.

Like the iceberg I am just scratching the surface of this topic – but it’s a beginning.

If you have ever wondered “Why do I do that?” perhaps it is time to think about that old radio show and begin seriously considering what lurks in your heart (subconscious mind).  Remember the answer to the radio question?  The shadow knows!  

Psychologists are trained to help people become aware of their shadow side, confront limiting beliefs and adopt healthier living choices.  No better time than right now to start on a new path!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice.   Visit  www.LindaHancock.com  or email her at  office@drlindahancock.com.