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Explore the depths of shadow work, Jungian psychology, and spiritual transformation. Join me as I unpack myths, interview experts like Jungian analysts and thought leaders, and explore the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and personal growth.

Whether you’re reclaiming your light, deconstructing old beliefs, or seeking deeper self-awareness, this channel offers insights, interviews, and guidance to support your journey. Subscribe for thought-provoking discussions, practical tools, and inspiration for your inner work.

Shadow Projection: Finding Ourselves in Others
35:12

Shadow Projection: Finding Ourselves in Others

Thank you to my clients who make this podcast possible! If you’re interested in 1:1 Shadow Work, schedule a free 20-min discovery call (https://www.innerworkcommunity.org/) today. If you enjoyed this episode, consider buying me a coffee (http://buymeacoffee.com/innerworkcommunity)! Summary In this video, Dr. Michael Simmons explores the concept of projection through a Jungian lens, discussing how our energetic reactions to others can reflect our shadowed traits, qualities, and limiting beliefs. He delves into how our shadow shows up in others, how other's shadow may be lodged in us, and the different types of projection. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing these projections in our relationships and offers practical steps for integrating our shadow to achieve greater self-awareness and authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Projection: An Introduction 03:50 The Metaphor of Projection 06:33 The Shadow and Its Role in Projection 09:38 Receiving Projections: Projective Identification 12:07 The Impact of Projections in Relationships 14:48 Types of Projection: Personal and Transference 20:50 The Role of Projections in Conflict 26:16 Practical Steps for Working with Projections 34:01 Outro Audio_music-voice.mp3 Takeaways Projection is a metaphor for our unconscious reactions to others. The shadow self contains parts of ourselves we reject or deny. Recognizing projections can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. High-energy relationships often reveal our projections. Cringe reactions can indicate areas of projection. We can absorb others' projections, impacting our self-perception. Understanding projection helps navigate interpersonal conflicts. Personal and transference projections shape our interactions. Integrating the shadow leads to a more authentic self. Shadow work can transform how we engage in relationships. In this video, Dr. Michael Simmons explores the concept of projection through a Jungian lens, discussing how our energetic reactions to others can reflect our shadowed traits, qualities, and limiting beliefs. He delves into how our shadow shows up in others, how other's shadow may be lodged in us, and the different types of projection. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing these projections in our relationships and offers practical steps for integrating our shadow to achieve greater self-awareness and authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Projection: An Introduction 03:50 The Metaphor of Projection 06:33 The Shadow and Its Role in Projection 09:38 Receiving Projections: Projective Identification 12:07 The Impact of Projections in Relationships 14:48 Types of Projection: Personal and Transference 20:50 The Role of Projections in Conflict 26:16 Practical Steps for Working with Projections 34:01 Outro Audio_music-voice.mp3 Takeaways Projection is a metaphor for our unconscious reactions to others. The shadow self contains parts of ourselves we reject or deny. Recognizing projections can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. High-energy relationships often reveal our projections. Cringe reactions can indicate areas of projection. We can absorb others' projections, impacting our self-perception. Understanding projection helps navigate interpersonal conflicts. Personal and transference projections shape our interactions. Integrating the shadow leads to a more authentic self. Shadow work can transform how we engage in relationships.
Shadow Projection: Finding Ourselves in Others
35:12

Shadow Projection: Finding Ourselves in Others

Thank you to my clients who make this podcast possible! If you’re interested in 1:1 Shadow Work, schedule a free 20-min discovery call (https://www.innerworkcommunity.org/) today. If you enjoyed this episode, consider buying me a coffee (http://buymeacoffee.com/innerworkcommunity)! In this video, Dr. Michael Simmons explores the concept of projection through a Jungian lens, discussing how our energetic reactions to others can reflect our shadowed traits, qualities, and limiting beliefs. He delves into how our shadow shows up in others, how other's shadow may be lodged in us, and the different types of projection. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing these projections in our relationships and offers practical steps for integrating our shadow to achieve greater self-awareness and authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Projection: An Introduction 03:50 The Metaphor of Projection 06:33 The Shadow and Its Role in Projection 09:38 Receiving Projections: Projective Identification 12:07 The Impact of Projections in Relationships 14:48 Types of Projection: Personal and Transference 20:50 The Role of Projections in Conflict 26:16 Practical Steps for Working with Projections 34:01 Outro Audio_music-voice.mp3 Takeaways Projection is a metaphor for our unconscious reactions to others. The shadow self contains parts of ourselves we reject or deny. Recognizing projections can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. High-energy relationships often reveal our projections. Cringe reactions can indicate areas of projection. We can absorb others' projections, impacting our self-perception. Understanding projection helps navigate interpersonal conflicts. Personal and transference projections shape our interactions. Integrating the shadow leads to a more authentic self. Shadow work can transform how we engage in relationships.
When the Teacher Disappears: Reclaiming Wisdom Within
29:14
When the Teacher Disappears Reclaiming  Wisdom Within
29:27

When the Teacher Disappears Reclaiming Wisdom Within

Summary In this conversation, Michael Simmons explores the profound impact of teachers and guides in our lives, particularly focusing on the emotional and psychological implications when these figures disappear. He discusses the importance of internalizing the wisdom once held by external teachers, the dangers of dependency on them, and the journey of reclaiming one's inner gold. Through various spiritual narratives and personal reflections, Simmons emphasizes the significance of self-discovery and the transformative power of recognizing one's own agency. Takeaways The disappearance of a teacher can lead to self-reflection. Teachers serve as mirrors for our growth and potential. The wisdom of a teacher can be internalized after their departure. Symbolism in spiritual narratives helps us understand our experiences. Dependency on external figures can hinder personal growth. Reclaiming inner gold is essential for authentic spirituality. Disillusionment with teachers can lead to personal empowerment. The journey of self-discovery is often painful yet beautiful. Recognizing one's own agency is crucial for development. Shadow work can aid in reclaiming lost aspects of oneself. Chapters 00:00 The Role of Teachers in Our Lives 06:15 The Disappearance of the Teacher 11:09 Symbolism in Spiritual Narratives 13:25 The Dangers of External Dependency 17:39 Reclaiming Your Inner Gold 24:22 The Journey of Self-Discovery 27:54 Outro Audio_music-voice.mp3
From the Shadow of Evangelicalism: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Freedom
50:10

From the Shadow of Evangelicalism: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Freedom

In this conversation, Mike Maeshiro shares his journey of coming out as a gay man after years of living within the constraints of evangelical Christianity. He discusses the challenges of reconciling his identity with the expectations of his upbringing, the emotional toll of hiding his true self, and the liberation he found in authenticity. The conversation delves into the shadow of evangelicalism, exploring its impact on personal identity, family dynamics, and the pervasive shame experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Mike emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for healing and self-acceptance, and the role of chosen family in navigating rejection from biological families. He reflects on the fulfillment he finds in supporting others on their journeys to reclaim their identities and live authentically. Connect with Mike Maeshiro: Instagram: @MikeMaeshiro Website: MikeMaeshiro.com Podcast: Available on major platforms YouTube: Mike Maeshiro Tune in for a raw, inspiring, and life-affirming conversation that will challenge you to rethink what it means to live authentically. Chapters 00:00 Journey of Authenticity: Coming Out and Self-Discovery 04:10 The Shadow of Evangelicalism: Understanding Its Impact 07:04 Finding Safety: The Transformation After Coming Out 10:03 The Cost of Authenticity: What Is Sacrificed? 13:18 Healing from Shame: The Path to Self-Acceptance 16:02 Deconstructing Beliefs: Challenging Dogma and Finding Truth 19:16 Empowerment Through Anger: The Journey to Justice 26:48 The Foundation of Beliefs 29:15 Navigating Autonomy and Self-Trust 32:16 Family Dynamics and Homophobia 36:18 The Pain of Rejection 40:16 The Role of the First Responder 45:05 Finding Joy in Transformation
From the Shadow of Evangelicalism: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Freedom
50:10

From the Shadow of Evangelicalism: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Freedom

In this conversation, Mike Maeshiro shares his journey of coming out as a gay man after years of living within the constraints of evangelical Christianity. He discusses the challenges of reconciling his identity with the expectations of his upbringing, the emotional toll of hiding his true self, and the liberation he found in authenticity. The conversation delves into the shadow of evangelicalism, exploring its impact on personal identity, family dynamics, and the pervasive shame experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Mike emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for healing and self-acceptance, and the role of chosen family in navigating rejection from biological families. He reflects on the fulfillment he finds in supporting others on their journeys to reclaim their identities and live authentically. Thank you to my clients who make this podcast possible! If you’re interested in 1:1 Shadow Work, schedule a free 20-min discovery call (https://www.innerworkcommunity.org/) today. If you enjoyed this episode, consider buying me a coffee (http://buymeacoffee.com/innerworkcommunity) ! Check out the video recording at my YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@InnerWorkCommunity) . Connect with Mike Maeshiro: • Instagram: @MikeMaeshiro (https://www.instagram.com/mikemaeshiro/) • Website: MikeMaeshiro.com (https://www.mikemaeshiro.com/) • Podcast: Available on major platforms • YouTube: Mike Maeshiro (https://www.youtube.com/@mikemaeshiro3965) Tune in for a raw, inspiring, and life-affirming conversation that will challenge you to rethink what it means to live authentically. Chapters 00:00 Journey of Authenticity: Coming Out and Self-Discovery 04:10 The Shadow of Evangelicalism: Understanding Its Impact 07:04 Finding Safety: The Transformation After Coming Out 10:03 The Cost of Authenticity: What Is Sacrificed? 13:18 Healing from Shame: The Path to Self-Acceptance 16:02 Deconstructing Beliefs: Challenging Dogma and Finding Truth 19:16 Empowerment Through Anger: The Journey to Justice 26:48 The Foundation of Beliefs 29:15 Navigating Autonomy and Self-Trust 32:16 Family Dynamics and Homophobia 36:18 The Pain of Rejection 40:16 The Role of the First Responder 45:05 Finding Joy in Transformation
The Power of Myth: Reclaiming Authentic Feeling
05:59

The Power of Myth: Reclaiming Authentic Feeling

In this video, I share a deeply personal story of a mystical experience I had in college—an encounter with intense divine energy that was quickly shaped and constrained by the expectations of my religious community. What I was feeling wasn’t enough on its own; it had to be enhanced, translated into speaking in tongues to be valid. This experience serves as a gateway into a larger conversation about how the common Christian myth often disconnects us from our authentic emotions. In many spiritual communities, we are taught that certain feelings—fear, sadness, anger—are unacceptable, even sinful. We are encouraged to bypass these emotions rather than fully experience them. But what happens when we suppress what is real in order to maintain an illusion of harmony? Drawing on insights from Connie Zweig’s book, "Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path," I explore how our spiritual personas keep us trapped in a narrow range of feelings, preventing true integration and wholeness. I invite you to engage with this practice: Finish this sentence: I am supposed to feel… Now finish this sentence: I actually feel… What comes up for you? What do you truly feel about your relationships, your community, your work, your life? This practice is an invitation to reclaim the full spectrum of your emotions—because healing and transformation begin when we allow ourselves to feel what is real. Let me know in the comments: What emotions have you been told are unacceptable? How have you navigated reclaiming your full emotional experience? 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on shadow work, emotional wholeness, and spirituality. #ShadowWork #EmotionalHealing #SpiritualBypassing #ReligiousTrauma #Authenticity #InnerWork ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
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