Written by SAORI | April 4, 2024
Shadow work is a deeply introspective practice that invites us to acknowledge and integrate aspects of ourselves that have been hidden, denied, or repressed. By shining a light on our shadows—the parts of us we may have avoided or deemed unacceptable—we create space for healing, growth, and self-compassion.
Below, you’ll find 49 thoughtful shadow work journal prompts to help you explore your inner landscape, embrace your shadow self, and embark on a path of profound healing.
These prompts are gentle invitations to delve into the depths of your being with curiosity and kindness. Each question is crafted to guide you through self-reflection, uncovering insights, and nurturing a greater sense of wholeness. Whether you’re new to shadow work or seeking to deepen your practice, I hope these prompts will serve as valuable companions on your inner journey.
Set aside some quiet time, grab your journal or a notebook, and allow yourself to explore these prompts at your own pace. Approach this process with an open heart and a willingness to embrace all facets of who you are.
Are you ready to embark on this empowering quest of self-discovery? Let’s begin.
49 Shadow work journal prompts
- what makes you feel defensive? what are you trying to protect?
- what are your most toxic traits and how do you project them onto others?
- in which situations do you tend to lie? why?
- where does your sense of self-worth come from?
- when are you hardest on yourself and why? where does it come from?
- what do you wish your friends and family knew about you?
- when was the last time you felt less than? what happened and why did you feel that way?
- what are you ashamed of? is there anything you need from yourself or others to move past this feeling of shame?
- what are the first signs that your mental health is deteriorating?
- what is something that your younger self would be surprised to know about you now? why?
- think about an emotionally troubling event you’ve experienced. how has it affected your behaviours, belief system and thought processes?
- how do you wish people would feel when they are around you?
- what’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told anyone else?
- how did someone you love break your heart?
- what are you most afraid of?
- what makes you stick around people who aren’t good for you?
- what are you most afraid of others finding out about yourself?
- when do you get offended? why?
- if you could write a letter to a person who hurt you, what would you say?
- what were you like as a child? is there any trait of your childlike self that you’ve lost touch with and miss? what caused you to lose touch with this part of yourself?
- what triggers bring out the worst in you? why? how can you change your reaction for the better?
- which parts of yourself do you hide? why?
- what made you start doubting yourself as a kid?
- what makes you feel alone? what can you do to feel connected?
- what phyiscal / emotional needs were not met as a child? how is that impacting your relationships now?
- what topics do you avoid? why?
- what events trigger your fight or flight response the most? why do you think these events generate such a response and how can you handle it better?
- what triggers your insecurities? why?
- 10 words you need to hear right now
- how do you self-sabotage the things you want in life?
- what critical thoughts do you frequently have about yourself, and where might they stem from?
- have you ever done something bad to someone you love that you deeply regret?
- what is your biggest regret? how does it influence your life now?
- what family patterns do you fear you’re repeating?
- are your actions guided by love or fear?
- what kind of situations do you avoid? why?
- what is an emotion you try to avoid feeling? why are you afraid to feel it? what triggers this emotion?
- what trait do you see in other people you wish you had?
- what destructive patterns do you notice you repeat?
- what kind of people do you attract? why do you think so?
- what masks or personas do you wear in different areas of your life? why?
- what’s the biggest lie you tell yourself consistently?
- how do you show up for others but fall short for yourself?
- in what ways are you like your parents? In what ways do you hope you are or are not like them?
- have you ever offered your authentic self to another and been rejected? how did this make you feel?
- are there desires or ambitious you feel embarrassed or scared to admit? why might you feel this way about them?
- have you had recurring dreams? what emotions or themes do they bring up and what might they reveal about your unconscious mind?
- what have been the three most important relationships in your life, and how have they influenced your beliefs about who you are?
- what personality traits and behaviours bother you? do you possess any of these traits or behaviours?
Shadow work card game
I hope you enjoyed these shadow work journal prompts and found them helpful <3
If you’re looking to share this healing process with a loved one, consider checking out my Etsy shop, where I offer printable shadow work cards featuring these prompts so that you can use them to start meaningful conversations with others who are also on their healing path.
Remember, the path of shadow work is a profound opportunity for growth and self-compassion. Embrace your shadows as integral parts of your unique journey toward wholeness.
Wishing you transformative insights and deep healing as you explore your inner landscape.
Love Saori
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