The shadow side (or the ego etc) can be something that frightens many individuals, and so much so that they avoid, deny and mask this important aspect of who we are. Firstly, I will share my interpretation of the shadow side…
Fear, old beliefs, ancient programming, unexpressed emotions, negative thinking, illusion, separation, self doubt and the good old ego (the voice of your hurt and pain) can all be included within the shadow side. Everyone’s shadow side will be different depending on their experiences and what their reactions have been to them. The shadow side usually consists of old stuff from the past, much of which can ‘haunt’ us at any time, and in any moment. For some, this may be VERY overwhelming, especially if there is old hurt and pain within that is just too painful to explore. Some people use ‘crutches’ like alcohol, anger, abuse to hold that shadow side down. However there is only so long you can suppress it before it comes up again!