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The power behind being a witch is knowing yourself and being aware of your power and the connection with  All there is. Do you know who you are? Not who you pretend to be when people are watching, but who you really are when you're all alone! Today's lesson is about embracing your true authentic self and awakening your inner child!  

What is shadow work?

As we have discussed in previous podcasts, shadow work is the process of uncovering those hidden parts of you. The parts that you might be ashamed of, the parts of you that you think others may not accept, and even the parts that you forgot were within you! We are like an onion with layers and layers of our identity and it's important to embrace all of you! 

So as we begin, I ask that you surrender to the experience, surround yourself with compassion and love, and get ready for this journey within yourself! This is a judgment-free zone, and that includes judging yourself! 

“You’ll never know who you are unless you shed who you pretend to be.” 

― Vironika Tugaleva

Your authentic self is your true self, the self that is free of limitations, free of social norms holds. It is the side of you that is joyful and happy, wild and free. Being true to who you are takes courage because it can cause fear to go against the norm. Being your authentic self causes you to stand out instead of fit in. We are people who crave and strive in social setting and because of that, we fear judgment or abandonment. 

So let's start by meeting your true authentic self. Start by asking yourself, "what brings me joy? For some people their most joy and happiness they experienced was as a child, if that’s the case with you, dive deeper and ask yourself what about that experience made you so happy? Who was around? Where were you at? All of these questions will help you become aware of yourself a little deeper.

Fully embracing your authentic self is a process, it's not a race but a marathon that begins with one step at a time. Start small, I'm going to give you 10 practices you can incorporate into your everyday life:

1. Stop seeking the approval of other people. 
2. Know your values and set your boundaries accordingly.
3. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. 
4.  Have compassion for yourself. Stop the negative self-talk.
5. Journal for self-awareness
6. Take a step outside of your comfort zone. Make a new friend ( you're never too old to make a new friend), join a training or class you can even do this via zoom. 
7. Assume the best, and use the worst as a learning opportunity
8. Stop comparisons! 
9. Value your opinion the most!
10. Find time weekly to embrace the child within you!

Awaken your inner child

Part of getting to know your authentic self is to awaken your inner child. Everyone has an inner child, some people's inner child is hidden due to trauma, but it's within and yarning for love, acknowledgment, and fun!  It's about returning to a playful state! Life is meant to be enjoyed!

“Everything seemed possible when I looked through the eyes of a child. 

And every once in a while; I remember, 

I still have the chance to be that wild.” 

― Nikki Rowe

Get out and Explore the world, your neighborhood, your state, anything to break you away from the hustle and bustle of adult life. Stay curious