E32. Exploring The Shadow

Have you ever felt like parts of yourself are hidden beneath the surface—parts that feel too messy, too intense, or too unworthy to be seen? What if those very parts hold the key to your deepest wisdom, power, and authenticity?In this episode of Internally Guided Life, I sit down with Emily Nascimento for a deep, soulful conversation about shadow work—the courageous process of reclaiming the parts of ourselves we’ve learned to suppress. Rooted in Jungian psychology, shadow work invites us to explore the aspects of our psyche that we’ve pushed into the unconscious—our fears, wounds, and insecurities, yes, but also our greatest strengths, creativity, and unclaimed brilliance.Why does this matter? Because the more we suppress, the more these hidden parts shape our thoughts, behaviors, and leadership from the shadows. The more we embrace and integrate them, the more we step into our full, wholehearted, and empowered selves.This conversation isn’t about just talking about shadow work—it’s about guiding you through it. We explore:What shadow work is and why certain parts of ourselves were exiled—and how to welcome them homeShadow work exercises to identify, engage with, and integrate these hidden aspects of selfThe connection between shadow work and leadership—how self-awareness helps us lead with integrity and prevent self-sabotageHow to recognize triggers and projections—clues from the external world that point to our own wholenessHow shadow work frees up energy, allowing us to move through life with greater confidence, clarity, and authenticityShadow work isn’t just about facing our darkness—it’s about reclaiming our light. It’s the work of self-liberation, of coming back to the fullness of who we are meant to be. It’s about stepping beyond fear and into bold authenticity.Whether you’re just starting your shadow work journey or looking for deeper shadow work exercises, this episode will give you the insights and practical tools you need to begin integrating your shadow and stepping into your full power.This is the work of coming home to yourself. This is the path to inner freedom. Are you ready to explore your shadow?About Emily NascimentoEmily is a coach, facilitator, and ceremonialist dedicated to the intersection of psychospiritual development and leadership. She believes that our most sacred gift to the world is our own healing and soul-embodiment. Through somatic coaching, soul-purpose work, and leadership development, Emily helps people live and lead from a place of deep integrity, purpose, and wholeness.Resources and LinksShadow Work Exercises: Leading from Wholeness – Free WorksheetVisit Emily’s WebsiteSubscribe to Holding Threads on SubstackSupport the Show & Stay Connected🎙 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs to hear it!⭐ Leave a review to help more people discover Internally Guided LifeConnect with Kayla:FacebookInstagramTikTokLinkedInInternally Guided Life Podcast PageSubscribe to Kayla’s email list, read the blog, and explore free resources:Visit Internally Guided LeadershipAccess all of Kayla’s resources and offerings in one place:Visit Kayla’s LinktreeKayla Sweet is the host of Internally Guided Life and an expert in burnout prevention, transformational leadership, self-care, and personal growth. As a life coach, she specializes in helping women reclaim their worthiness and purpose, guiding them to create fulfilling lives with balance and ease. With a background in psychology, mindfulness, and transformational leadership, Kayla empowers her community to align with their authentic selves, develop their strengths, and embrace intentional growth.Episode Credits:Intro & Outro Music: By artist Goat On The River, produced by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/ Podcast recorded by Christian Michael Smith at https://www.microdotstudioproductions.com/