Why high achievers are trapped in Jung’s Shadow—
and how it's KILLING their creativity.
Here are 5 steps to see if you're stuck in the Shadow...
[And how to reverse it]. 🧵
and how it's KILLING their creativity.
Here are 5 steps to see if you're stuck in the Shadow...
[And how to reverse it]. 🧵
The Shadow is your exiled part of you.
It's your:
• Anger
• Desires
• Fears of failure
As a high achiever, you can't escape it without guidance.
It's your:
• Anger
• Desires
• Fears of failure
As a high achiever, you can't escape it without guidance.
You start with understanding your...
#1: Emotional Triggers
You overreact (anger, shame, defensiveness) when others call out traits you secretly disown in yourself.
→ The shadow hides in the intensity of your reaction.
#1: Emotional Triggers
You overreact (anger, shame, defensiveness) when others call out traits you secretly disown in yourself.
→ The shadow hides in the intensity of your reaction.
Then, you go deeper and identify your...
#2: Projection Loops
You constantly see in others what you can’t admit about yourself—calling others selfish, lazy, controlling, etc., while avoiding those same qualities in you.
→ Projection is the shadow’s favorite mask.
#2: Projection Loops
You constantly see in others what you can’t admit about yourself—calling others selfish, lazy, controlling, etc., while avoiding those same qualities in you.
→ Projection is the shadow’s favorite mask.
Then, you recognize your...
#3: Persona Overload
You wear “masks” to be liked or approved—professional mask, spiritual mask, nice-person mask.
→ If you feel exhausted keeping up appearances, the shadow is running the show.
#3: Persona Overload
You wear “masks” to be liked or approved—professional mask, spiritual mask, nice-person mask.
→ If you feel exhausted keeping up appearances, the shadow is running the show.
Next, you learn about your...
#4: Repetitive Struggles
You keep attracting the same conflicts, toxic relationships, or failures, even when you try to change.
→ That’s the shadow seeking recognition.
#4: Repetitive Struggles
You keep attracting the same conflicts, toxic relationships, or failures, even when you try to change.
→ That’s the shadow seeking recognition.
Finally, you discover your...
#5: Disowned Gold
You envy people for qualities you “wish you had”—creativity, boldness, sensuality, power.
→ The shadow doesn’t only hold darkness, it also hides your unlived potential.
#5: Disowned Gold
You envy people for qualities you “wish you had”—creativity, boldness, sensuality, power.
→ The shadow doesn’t only hold darkness, it also hides your unlived potential.
Here are my secret steps to work through your Shadow:
1. Notice Your Triggers – Ask: “What does this reaction say about me?”
2. Track Your Projections – Flip your judgments: “Where is this true in my own life?”
3. Name the Mask – Identify the role you play to survive (perfectionist, caretaker, intellectual).
4. Dialog With It – Journal or draw the shadow as a character, then let it “speak.”
5. Integrate the Gold – Ask: “What gift is hidden in this shadow quality?”
1. Notice Your Triggers – Ask: “What does this reaction say about me?”
2. Track Your Projections – Flip your judgments: “Where is this true in my own life?”
3. Name the Mask – Identify the role you play to survive (perfectionist, caretaker, intellectual).
4. Dialog With It – Journal or draw the shadow as a character, then let it “speak.”
5. Integrate the Gold – Ask: “What gift is hidden in this shadow quality?”
Anxiety isn't random.
It’s your Shadow trying to break free.
It’s your soul saying:
“Stop performing. Start listening....and drawing."
It’s your Shadow trying to break free.
It’s your soul saying:
“Stop performing. Start listening....and drawing."
I work with CEOs, artists, and doctors to break free of their shadow.
I offer them the rare opportunity to face their Shadow and permanently break free.
I offer them the rare opportunity to face their Shadow and permanently break free.
Hi, I'm Lorwen Nagle.
I've spent 40 years as a Harvard-trained psychologist, studying consciousness with the Dalai Lama, and helping thousands untangle their minds.
I've spent 40 years as a Harvard-trained psychologist, studying consciousness with the Dalai Lama, and helping thousands untangle their minds.
If this thread resonated with you, I explore psychology, philosophy, and personal transformation in my work.
Follow
@Lorwen108
for more insights on the journey to authenticity.
Repost if this helped you. 🙏
Follow
@Lorwen108
for more insights on the journey to authenticity.
Repost if this helped you. 🙏
As a Ph.D. psychology grad from
@UTAustin a Postdoc from @Harvard
I can help you unlock your mind for greater success.
So, if you feel lost, anxious, or stressed out with your current life, schedule a free discovery call and we'll decode it:
calendly.com/lorwen_consult…
@UTAustin a Postdoc from @Harvard
I can help you unlock your mind for greater success.
So, if you feel lost, anxious, or stressed out with your current life, schedule a free discovery call and we'll decode it:
calendly.com/lorwen_consult…
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