Thanksgiving, Family, and Shadow Work

Thanksgiving can bring up old stories and emotional triggers, but it’s also a chance to practice mindfulness and patience. Shadow work encourages attunement to yourself and others, especially in uncomfortable moments. Use family dynamics as opportunities for self-reflection, wakefulness, and gratitude for your personal growth and the family that shaped you.

Photo by Meelika Marzzarella on Unsplash

Thanksgiving, Shadow Work, and Family Dynamics

Imperfect Families, Perfect Opportunities

Hello Friends,

For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time for family, which can often bring up old stories and emotional triggers. It's important to remember that despite what you may see on Facebook, no one's family is perfect. We all have our stuff. So let's make use of it.

Practicing Patience and Presence

Use this time to practice being present and show patience. Shadow work involves attuning to yourself, others, and situations, even when they feel uncomfortable. (Especially when they feel uncomfortable!)

Turning Triggers Into Growth

If you find yourself triggered by an interaction with a family member, view your reaction as an opportunity for wakefulness, patience, and self-reflection. Take this chance to learn something about yourself through your family dynamics—and in the process, you might grow even more grateful for the person you are becoming and the family that shaped you.

I wish you abundant health, happiness, and prosperity,

Mark.