how to do shadow work

Summary

Jackie (Hoodwinkler) describes shadow work as recognizing and accepting parts of yourself that you feel ashamed of, rather than trying to replace them with positive affirmations or make them disappear. She frames this through a spiritual view of human nature as containing opposing qualities, and says repressing disowned traits can make them feel more powerful and surface indirectly.

Ways to notice your “shadow”

• Look at what you avoid: Notice topics, responsibilities, or feelings you consistently refuse to face.
• Pay attention to strong judgments: Intense criticism of others may point to a trait or desire you feel uncomfortable acknowledging in yourself.
• Try the “name-calling” test: Consider what you would most hate to be accused of or called, then ask whether some part of that archetype feels familiar.
• Recall lingering shame: Identify past actions or ways of being that still make you cringe or feel deeply ashamed.

Her suggested approach to shadow work

• Name the disowned trait or archetype—for example, being angry, attention-seeking, controlling, or imperfect.
• Practice accepting it without reframing it as its opposite. The aim is not to prove “I’m good,” but to acknowledge that the trait exists without letting it define your whole identity.
• Express it creatively or symbolically in a way that is safe for you and others. Examples include writing a character, making art, or trying a theatrical exercise in private.
• Keep boundaries central. Accepting a feeling or impulse does not mean acting harmfully toward others. Any shared role-play or kink-related exploration should be consensual and involve adults.
• Go slowly and monitor your response. If you feel triggered, numb, avoidant, or disconnected, scale the exercise back. Jackie recommends breathing, noticing bodily sensations, and choosing a gentler step.
• Focus on sensations as well as thoughts. Notice what you feel in your body rather than getting caught only in judgments or self-critical narratives.

Jackie says that facing disowned parts may initially bring up fear or avoidance, but can eventually feel freeing and release energy for creativity. These are her personal spiritual teachings, not a substitute for professional support when needed.

Presenter and sources mentioned

• Presenter: Jackie, also known as Hoodwinkler.
• Texts, figures, and references: Carl Jung; The Descent of Inanna; The Epic of Gilgamesh; the Bhagavad Gita (Krishna and Arjuna); the Bible and angels; That’s So Raven; Fleabag; David Lynch; and Hercules and Hades.
• Jackie also refers generally to teachers, mindfulness practitioners, psychologists, and trauma study, without naming specific people or works.