Journaling serves as an ideal basis for practicing shadow work. In the beginning stages, it is a very basic, low intensity exercise that most anyone can do without worry of incurring any significant mental or emotional trauma– one might experience mild discomfort or aversion at worst. I recommend journaling as a continued practice to track the progress you make through other forms of shadow work as well.
A great place to start with shadow work journaling is by identifying the negative aspects of yourself that you are already aware of. If you have trouble doing this, try reflecting on what qualities you tend to judge in others. As a secondary approach, consider qualities you’ve been accused of possessing– I say this with reservation, however, due to the fact that others may have falsely accused you of possessing qualities that are actually a projection of their own shadow. Once you have identified some of your shadow aspects, contemplate the root of their existence and record your conclusions.
