02/02/2025
In metaphysical and wellness circles, we often romanticize words like awakening, rebirth, transformation, and revolution. We paint images of butterflies emerging from cocoons, baby birds hatching, and rainbows after storms. From the sidelines, we offer spiritual platitudes: “This is all part of the plan.” “It’s all good.” “We can’t have light without the shadow.”
While these statements hold some truth, they are easy to say when we are not the ones in the firestorm. Real spirituality doesn’t bypass the shadow—it takes us deeper into it.
True transformation demands that something must die for something new to be born. And death is rarely pleasant. It requires releasing ingrained identities, protective postures, and the comfort of certainty. The more we resist—trying to ascend above or bypass reality—the louder reality will demand our attention. And right now, it is demanding a lot.
1. Embrace the words “I was wrong about that.”
There is going to be a tremendous amount of finding out—often through consequences we can no longer ignore. Shadow work requires surrendering attachment to certainty and acknowledging what is actually unfolding. Yes, you may feel like you’ve been lied to. You have been. People will be hurt. Systems will break. This is not necessary, but seems to be required to reveal what needs changing.
2. Make it safe for people to change their minds and hearts.
If you saw this coming, it’s tempting to be callous. But human psychology clings to certainty, making people vulnerable to fear and manipulation. Meet those finding out with compassion, not disdain. True transformation happens when it is safe to evolve.
3. Show up.
Shadow work is not just personal—it is collective. It is about dismantling harmful systems, challenging complacency, and refusing to turn away from injustice. The shadows are exposed, but the work won’t do itself. The light only comes if we bring it.
Because Real Transformation is not something happening to us. It is something that requires us.
Photo credit: Aidan Thorvalson
