Jordan Peterson: Why and How to Integrate Your Shadow

Jordan B Peterson (born June 12, 1962) is a Canadian clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Toronto. In this clip he talks about the psychological concept of integrating your shadow.
This is from his Biblical Series XV: Joseph and the Coat of Many Colors. Full video quoted under fair use: • Lecture: Biblical Seri...
You can support Dr. Peterson at his Patreon: / jordanbpeterson
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This channel aims at extracting central points of presentations into short clips. The topics cover the problems of leftist ideology and the consequences for society. If you like the content, subscribe to the channel!

[@ajayb3359]

'People tend to take pride in who they are, and that's a BAD idea, because that stops you from becoming who you could be' - such a counter-intuitive statement but so powerful and widely applicable!. Thanks!

[@bryandeschenes6153]

Ahh. Yes....and.....no. A small bit of focused pride (also integrated) can be used to push onward through the muck.

[@zachariahsmith8757]

Give credit to the rules of the game. For those who thrive in said game- Glory, gratitude and the ways in which they conduct their being should and likely already is oriented around the way which things seemingly operate objectively through the opposingly subjective lense of personal awareness. High performers of any sort use both reflection of past experiences and pursuing action to pave the path which is most effective in relation to their given objectives. It is by knowing what has happened that gives context for what is currently taking place, then byways of dissecting branches of possible outcomes allows for the individual to tune into the channels of consciousness seamlessly/gracefully by knowing which channels will play static and which will more likely play the tones of sound most condusive to their hopes of acheiving their personal life goals

[@memecathar1263]

Just read Jung and stop listening to this Peterson idiot. He gets lost and starts making stuff up. And he really really does get lost.

[@tassiodrigues]

I know a few people for decades and they are sou proud of their knowledge that they can't even hear someone correcting or telling something new to them without them getting offended... its obnoxious

[@JulianK67]

🎉

[@armanhakim5309]

"Are you order? Are you chaos? Or are you the process that mediates between them? And if you are the process that mediates between them, you are the thing that transforms."

[@HAL-mu4ey]

Are you order? Are you chaps? Or are you the process that mediates between them? And if you are the process that mediates between them, you are

[@queenofthebutterflies5212]

Was so poignant wasn't it? Best explanation I've heard so far in my studies.

[@armanhakim5309]

@@queenofthebutterflies5212 Yep. Very poignant indeed.

[@gabeholm9954]

So personally type wise would this translate to a peace keeper aka INFPs

[@aperson4854]

Im gonna be honest, didnt quite get what hes trying to say here

[@irrelevantideology9640]

That was s very well asked question. Props to that guy.

[@MrBrainTucker1079]

That was a whole thesis from the guy with references and all lol

[@MetaphysicalMusicMaven]

Incredibly so.

[@MakeDemocracyMagnificientAgain]

I was distracted by his hand movements. What did he say?

[@MetaphysicalMusicMaven]

@@MakeDemocracyMagnificientAgain Try listening again, this time with your eyes closed. ❤

[@ShadowWizard123]

He kind of conflated psychoanalysis and mythology. I don't find those two concepts very similar at all. I know for a fact that Jung bristled at the idea that he was dealing in mythology.

[@antidepressant11]

I like what he said about not getting attached to who we are. Not being too proud of our current self. otherwise you don't evolve or improve.

[@jj_grabes]

antidepressant11 right, the idea that while you still have confidence in yourself, you use that determination to evolve even more is the only way anyone can grow as a human being. It’s a simple yet beautiful idea to me!

[@mementomori5374]

I loved that one too

[@erniepach]

Ego = Elimination of Growth Opportunity

[@NoCommonMeasure]

I came across the concept of self integration, and this is the path i want to take moving forward. And I am documenting the process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbQeWOKeLtsjMk

[@AcornEmbrio]

Question everything. In a non-hostile way, for actual answers. Not to shut down the questioning. Alan Watts said something that I think is very simple yet elegant and also true (to my own estimation) that the greatest virtue is to have a sence of awe, or bewilderment twords life. Because when everything is bringing out of you, a sence of curiosity and a eagerness to simply explore and a fascination to discover reality and truth, then you will do so unbiased, and not trying to judge any aspect of anything but you discover, with love and compassion then. As opposed to the people, who, at times, might shut down the questioning or exploration, in order to defend their beliefs. Another thing that may go with this I watched the other day, was about not having beliefs, but to inquire. I think all beliefs are for the purpose of not actually having to do the exploration, and to rest on a simple answer in order to explain something you have not been able to figure out, something troubling. Like when people say to just have faith in God and that we don't need to understand. Just believe in God. It's because there's either something they don't want to confront so they give it to god as a means to avoid it, and similar to what Jordan says here, is then also used as a false kind of virtue. Blind faith is said to be virtuous in a lot of religion. But reality shows us this is not the case. God and reality are one. I totally went sideways here lol. Well that's all for this comment, if I went off topic to a rediculus degree.... Well I guess I tend to do that. K. Done. I'm out.

[@MeeCee5204]

Everyone has a dark side and it is there to protect you from the darkness of others. Everyone needs to get to know their dark side and how to integrate it so you can use it when you need to. If someone tries to manipulate you, humiliate you, guilt trip you, abuse you or otherwise harm you, your dark side will teach you how to fight back. If you don't acknowledge or learn how to use it, you're basically just signing yourself up to be walked on your whole life.

[@jackieenglish9204]

Yes.

[@raedfaarri2980]

Is the shadow are the memories of the past

[@hellraizzer7064]

@@raedfaarri2980 Learn English.

[@rogeliocalderas]

😊

[@michaelhenderson6786]

@@raedfaarri2980 no, I think the “shadow” are the qualities of a person that we tend to avoid. Like negative qualities, anger, greed, lust, etc. The premise of incorporating one’s shadow is the idea that these negative attributes are not necessarily negative inherently. How you use your anger could be negative OR positive. How you use the lust or the greed you feel, it can be positive or negative. Giving in to your lust, for example, can either destroy a marriage through infidelity OR it can strengthen a marriage by focusing that lust on your partner, developing eyes for them alone. So, from what I understand, to incorporate your shadow, you would analyze your negative or immoral qualities and look for the positive side of them, and then incorporate and utilize them in an ethical way. When you do that, you stop running away from the worst parts of yourself. You stop allowing them to control you, and you learn to control them instead. At that point you aren’t missing chunks and pieces of who you are, and you become more whole.

[@darkrangerl]

What I got to experience today is this: - Risk feeling uncomfortable. - Risk upsetting someone - Risk letting your light shine brighter

[@roger4lead6]

❤

[@lisacampbell9601]

Shadow work is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s also been the most rewarding. To know that I’m not perfect has been the most freeing knowing I have ever known.

[@sonakmetova5120]

hi Lisa, im just getting into this and it is such a big complex of information. could you possibly let me know where should i start? which books are the best? or what can help me the most based on your experiences? thank youuu

[@lisacampbell9601]

Soňa Kmeťová Hi, first I want to share something that helped me understand the shadow. When I met my shadow face to face (repressed anger) it scared me. I thought to myself, it will take a lifetime to heal this part of me, but I heard something that made me take a different perspective. Healing the shadow does not take long, it just takes an awareness and a willingness to face it and intergrade it. What takes long is your spirit being READY to see this darkness and your Spirit being strong enough to accept the fact that there’s a dark side. So the healing doesn’t take long it’s the spirits preparation that took long. So if you’re seeing your shadow you are ready to face it and do the work. With that being said I’ve been reading a book called “Feeding your demons” there’s also a KZbin on the feeding your demons meditation. It’s when you make your shadow your Allie instead of your enemy.

[@TheUniverseOfGods]

My journey into shadow work so far is sad and beautiful at the same time. Many tears are shed, but I know it is worth it.

[@griffinclark140]

Absolutely amazing. Since I don't want to spend any more time or money in a therapist's office I ask questions to KZbin and ask to see Dr. Peterson and he gives me some really good insight. I'm very happy that he has so many videos.

[@russellpanther-jeanz3256]

Here’s a better route. This conversation is professionally over-complicated. Try this instead:

[@russellpanther-jeanz3256]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJSziIhrbrGopcU

[@lhconnectionsllc1188]

@@russellpanther-jeanz3256 nothing

[@adaptercrash]

They forgot the therapist ? We only need one per ward now he needs a MD too because all these psychology grada..

[@Alem_Mehari]

“That which is static and repetitive is boring. That which is dynamic and random is confusing. In between lies art.” - John Locke

[@esser7678]

flow

[@christiantaylor1495]

That's why I like dubstep; the perfect mix. The golden mean.

[@Mr.Honest247]

@@christiantaylor1495 Eww no.

[@thoththeatlantean1138]

to accept my chaos was the most scary thing to do, then I realized I am nor order nor chaos... I am in between the two, therefore I am always evolving and always climbing up. ty for this presentation, Jordan Peterson and I mean it. Ty to the audience who asked this question. my life will never be the same, ever again. One love

[@shabnamrafique7730]

This is the definition of spiritual ascension, being in the state between order and chaos which; is a very fluid state and then being propelled upwards spiritually.

[@SobeCrunkMonster]

you guys are cringe

[@J0kerzach2008]

@@shabnamrafique7730 Buddhism describes it as bliss attained with neutrality between observing good and bad. Order and chaos. To be at peace with good or bad outcomes, or positive or negative situations, and to simply recognize that the good that is happening, the chaos that is happening; is you. You are the moment, you are what is happening. Your positive thoughts and negative ideas about what could happen, what may happen, what will happen are you present in the moment, present in yourself. Witnessing yourself. Growing. Ascending, as you said, letting go, shedding your skin, becoming something beyond human. Or at least beyond the mind of what is considered; "What a human mind thinks about." So you grow beyond thoughts of doubt, thoughts of hatred, thoughts of chaos and order. You see that the dance between Chaos and Order, is the same dance between Yin and Yang: Saṃsāra. And that none of this has an "I" attached to it. There is no "You", there is just "Us", and "Is"... ANYWAY... Keep growing

[@Patienceandfaith07]

The injustice of the freely thrown around concept and “diagnosis” of bipolar disorder. Fucking mainstream ignorant society. Had me, my mother and my father believing WE were messed up and insane because we can’t and won’t fake what is not real to us.

[@knowingdawn]

"Morality as cowardice" That plays so well into something I've been struggling to figure out.

[@MeeCee5204]

Sometimes we try to pretend that we're on some sort of higher level and we say things like, "I'm not going to stoop to their level", or, "two wrongs don't make a right", when the truth is we are actually afraid to stand up for ourselves. What we actually want is for other people to always be nice and kind toward us so we won't have to stand up for ourselves.

[@trecurt2850]

@@MeeCee5204ouch. Yeah.

[@av-sp1wo]

Morality is not cowardice, it is actually needed, way too many people dont have morals but pretend they do. On the other hand, not having boundaries is cowardice.

[@silrana7166]

@@MeeCee5204 Woah. You hit the nail on the head! Masking cowardice as morality because of an inability (to harness aggression) and aversion to aggression, when controlled, disciplined aggression *is* the pre-requisite for morality. A rabbit-by-choice who prides himself on morality is deluded, because he is incapable of being moral in the first place. "Two wrongs don't make a right-" "I'm not going to stoop to their level-' "Listen dude. If you don't do what needs to be done, that guy isn't going to stop bullying you. To do that IS the most moral thing here. Why is that so hard for you to admit?" School coodles us, 'tell an adult', when the real world doesn't work like that (still, report the bully after you're done dealing with him/her XD). It's priming you to be a rabbit dependent on the *authority* of others, instead of a self-reliant lion capable of standing for itself. It almost sounds like they're priming young minds to accept soft totalitarianism. So 'burn away' what gets in the way of the integration of the shadow - false ideas, incorrect beliefs about it - empty your cup, and then embark. Lastly, to not get so prideful about this - look back fondly, but recognise perhaps at the core of being human is 'a being which confronts chaos and transforms as a result', and that this is continuous. Whether we are refined further or changed in other ways depends on circumstance and context. Your comment was really helpful, thanks!

[@TB26]

​​​@@av-sp1wo This makes more sense than claiming to have morals as cowardice. In the end, you're still weighing your options.

[@lukekelly7347]

Being a warrior in a garden is better than a gardener in a war. Be capable of chaos and retribution, and control it. That’s the true encounter with the shadow

[@amritsaggu2265]

Kudos to the question, and what an incredible answer.

[@NoCommonMeasure]

yes i am taking notes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbQeWOKeLtsjMk

[@wheretonext1158]

The shadow isn’t just bad , it’s anything that’s repressed from ego conscious awareness like hurts traumas emotions, that when brought into conscious awareness can be dissolved and you make way for your higher self or spiritual self or core to be renewed where you live in absolute self trust and vibrant flow

[@luxe2858]

is that from carl jung?

[@wheretonext1158]

@@luxe2858 Forget that there is 1 truth 1 existence then there is everything else depending on your level of development.

[@creativeaf-is2yd]

Amen to that

[@macmac1022]

If you have 12 minutes the first basic part I will go over is about fast/slow thinking. If you want there is a 12 minute video by veritasium called "the science of thinking" that will explain it very well. I think this is knowledge that can really benefit people if they do not know about it. The next part though I dont know any videos for and I dont know if anyone really had the idea I have before. The knowledge of the fast/slow mind is what is relevant from that video and I think a good starting point for the discussion. The video also gives examples of people doing it live, but it most likely will work on you as well so that is how I will show you. I am going to ask you a question, and I am going to predict the answer you will have pop in your mind at first, and predict that will be a wrong answer. This works on most people and you can try if for yourself on others to see too, its an interesting conversation starter. A bat and a ball together cost 1.10, the bat costs 1.00 more then the ball, how much did the ball cost? You might have an answer flash in your head right away with fast inaccurate fast mind but if you check that answer with your slow but more accurate conscious awareness, you can see that answer is wrong but it takes effort to do. The answer of ten cents is not the right answer but most people have that pop in their head because of the fast thinking mind that we rely on most of the time. The fast unconscious mind is taking everything in and trying to make sense of it really fast. Its 11 million bits a second. But sometimes it makes mistakes. The slow conscious mind is 40-50 bits and lazy but it can check things and bringing the unconscious mistake to conscious awareness it can correct it. The next thing to understand is about carl jung and the 4 ways the unconscious complex he called shadow deals with reality. The shadow is an unconscious complex that is defined as the repressed and suppressed aspects of the conscious self. there are constructive and destructive types of shadow. Carl jung emphasized the importance of being aware of shadow material and incorporating it into conscious awareness lest one project these attributes onto others. The human being deals with the reality of shadow in 4 ways. Denial, projection, integration and/or transmutation. Now I believe what is happening when a question that exposes a conflict in a belief, idea, something that someone said, or even about someone they idolize and the question gets avoided, that is the fast unconscious mind going into denial and the response is often a projection. This also can trigger and emotional response activating the amygdala more and the pre frontal cortex less where rational conscious thought is said to happen and the amygdala starts to get the body to flood itself with chemicals/hormones. Its like the fast mind knows conscious awareness will say its wrong. so it blocks it off to defend itself from admitting its wrong. in cases of denial and because it blocked off the rational mind, the responses are often irrational. Like personal attacks do not address the issue or answer the question. I think we can agree people have a very hard time now days admitting when they are wrong, I am not exempt from this myself I do realize. And we can see how badly questions avoidance effects us if you watch political meetings and watch them avoid questions all day long. Ok, so the first thing to go over is denial as that is the main one I expose with questions. A disowning or refusal to acknowledge something I think is a good definition for it here. There is a really good 2 minute video I use as an example of this. A streamer named vegan gains claiming lobsters have brains after some one said he can eat lobsters because they do not have brains. He googles it and starts to read what it says. When he gets to the part where is says neither insects nor lobsters have brains, he skips it and says they literally are insects then skips over that line and continues to read the rest. Just like in the fast thinking video, his fast mind already read that line and refused to acknowledge it in unconscious denial, and just skipped it. The person then tells him he skipped it and he reads it again and sees the line this time. Still being defensive of his claim and refusing to accept he was wrong, he tried to discredit the source and its the lobster institute of maine. If you would like to see the video for yourself its 2 minutes by destiny clips and the video is called " Destiny Reacts To Vegan Gains Ignoring Search Result That Contradicts Him". Justin turdo avoiding the question of how much his family was paid by the we charity 6 times in a row I think is denial as well. I think jordan peterson not being able to answer his own question of does he believe god exists and asking what do and you mean then saying no one knows what any of those words mean while being seemingly angry is think is another really good example of denial... and projection. And while JP find those words difficult, other people understand them easy. Even he does pretty much any other time they are used. So projection is next up. Psychological projection is a defense mechanism people subconsciously employ in order to cope with difficult feelings or emotions. Psychological projection involves projecting undesirable feelings or emotions onto someone else, rather than admitting to or dealing with the unwanted feelings. Many times a mind in denial will use projections for responses. Someone getting mad and telling the other person to not interrupt when they have been doing that a lot themselves would be an example. I have done this myself. The people who tell me I dont understand my own questions and my point is wrong when they do not even know what the point is are all examples as well. I ask them to steel man my position to show then understand my point and they just avoid that question as well clearly showing they do not understand my point. Now we have integration and/or transmutation. Integration is when you bring an unconscious behavior into conscious awareness and accept it. I know that I interrupt people talking sometimes even though I think that is wrong to do. I have a conscious awareness of it, but I have not been able to completely change the behavior.... yet. That is where transmutation comes in. Transmutation is to completely change that unconscious behavior. From being impatient to being patient, of from distrust to trust, hate into understanding and love even. So was this understandable or confusing? if you understand it, do you think its possibly true? Do you have any questions? If you have any tips I am would gladly listen.

[@slooob23]

Play, pause, think. Rewind, pause, think again. There is so much compressed into this short clip that can help turn a life around.

[@clif9379]

I’m still trying to understand it

[@MetaphysicalMusicMaven]

I love that, and it's authentic..."I'd rather be whole than good". And it's so true, I've been so guilted and abused, labeled as aggressive for sticking up for myself, that I've gotten into the habit of not saying No, or feeling guilty if I do. Will I be seen as uncooperative or resistant, aggressive. I've been pushed into corners by those who think they have the right to control me & that it is ME who is always the problem, all while they turn their heads to the true oppressors and Predators.

[@marcusantonius117]

Im in this situation too. It doesnt feel good to not stick to your guns if u feel this is right.

[@bossladyjenee]

We just have to be the “bad guy” if that means self preservation. It’s gaslighting and narcissism. Good and bad are relative !

[@deedesertrose1829]

This is something I've been working on. Being okay with my aggression and using it to protect myself instead of the old system of just going along being the way to protect me. To me it's integrating and embracing my dragon. Being the woman I want to be includes me feeling empowered enough to say no. Stop with the self judgement or self doubt and just be the person I'm afraid to be seen as.

[@I_am_N0body]

@@bossladyjenee And that is the issue. For people who are not Narcissists; we have to learn how to manipulate and control people now. So much for "can't we all just get along"? When it comes to relationsips depending on the designation. Honesty is the best policy. I know what I am and what I am not. I for one AM NOT "Pro-Narcissist" (PRONOUN; get it?)

[@AbirHasanDipu]

"You should be able to do things that you wouldn't do."

[@houyemstiti5516]

This is one of the most important things in being a real good person. Just because someone doesn't do something doesn't make them good, it could be because of fear or because of other ulterior motives. But knowing someone could do something that's immoral or harmful to others but chooses not to, they are easily more deserving of respect.

[@NoCommonMeasure]

Yes getting out from behind the shadow and the masks we all wear. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbQeWOKeLtsjMk

[@DJR5280]

I've never had anyone inspire me as much as Jordan Peterson

[@Miztivin]

This was the best explaination on the concept of the shadow that I've ever heard. Eye opener.

[@AristonSparta]

FWIW, I think to also answer the student’s question: There are two ideas (shadow and Phoenix), and so two processes by which they occur. One process is implicit. It happens without our knowledge or awareness. I would even venture to say that it happens more often when we are young. The other process is explicit, meaning it is conscious. It is personal choice made from self awareness. From this perspective, integrating the shadow would be looking into the past using the first process and discovering what things were repressed in you without your awareness. Then, use the second process to make a conscious analysis of the repressed quality, make a choice and emerge from the fires a Phoenix.

[@estarbiencadadia]

So it all goes down to “I have a choice and I choose to xyz” One of the main things I see in this talk is that TO KNOW YOU CAN BE XYz but you CHOOSE not to. That makes perfect sense to me. In my own last journey I could have created so much chaos and pain, I know because I actually did for a minute 😅 but then it was all about seeing that part of me and choosing a different path, again and again and again and in that I also learned to understand and appreciate that side of me (That before was completely repressed, just like he explained, in a cowardness because of fear of my own capacity for destruction) Once I destroyed that image of myself and still accepted it as part of me a whole different person came to be. Very good excerpt. Thank you so much 🙏

[@DGP406]

That guy managed to ask such a hard question in a very eloquent way, impressive.

[@NoCommonMeasure]

lol thats what i thought as well, but he did a job kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbQeWOKeLtsjMk

[@Mr.Honest247]

Nothing is impressive about an overly long question just to sound smart to JP.

[@ItsJustRyan89]

@@Mr.Honest247 if that’s what you’ve gleamed, that’s on you.

[@jorgeguarin2898]

I love Peterson lectures because they are so vivid and meaningful.

[@zackhartman2799]

"I am a Shadow, the True Self." Seriously, Jordan is undergoing his Persona Awakening in time for Persona Royale DLC

[@aethersurreal4845]

You're not me!!!!

[@bobschmidt6565]

Gtfo weebs

[@billfitchett1808]

Every lecture by JP seems to be accurate and dead on for me personally. How can each one (presentation) be better than the last. And here I am again. This presentation was the perfect presentation for what I need.

[@laurah1291]

“Power is when we have every justification to kill, and we don’t” Schindler thank you 🙏 Dr Peterson thank you 🙏

[@jamespoppitz3336]

Even if you disagree w JP(which I often do) you can't help but admire the way he explains things.. obviously a good man ernestly doing his best, a surprisingly rare quality in adults...

[@taylorbee4010]

I'm learning at this the hard way again but it's more like don't distill down your anger or your fear or anything just to sacrifice your authenticity.

[@jaysonp9426]

Props to that kid. He handled the mic and his question really well

[@domino2736]

I am a highly agreeable person who does not like conflict or upsetting others, and this is something I have been working to change, as it has led me to develop habits or routines that hinder me or places me into positions I don't want to be in. I am slowly starting to realize that I do indeed need to reintegrate all of the negative or harsh emotions I have volintarily put away in order to maintain the peace or facilitate it. Rather than having a sheathed sword, I cast away the sword entirely, to my detriment. Allowing the dead wood to remain prevents the possibility or severly limits the potential for new growth. I had thought for a long time that if I eliminated my "dark half", I would feel more complete, but I have found that the opposite is true. I understand that this is largely because the negative emotions we experience serve a function to protect and defend ourselves and cutting them off leaves you open to attack. In my case it was (is) a moral superiority complex masking my own cowardice and lack of honesty about how I am feeling, based largely on fear of how others may react to my opposing stance. It is a slow process, but I am getting better at standing up for myself and not allowing myself to be put into positions I don't want to be in. It's my life, and I dictate what direction it goes in. Period. Sometimes there are outside forces that we cannot control that move us in a new direction, one that we may not initially want, but that's not always a bad thing; it's opportunity, as opposed to catastrophe. Peterson, like many others, has really helped me to grow and realize life is not about appeasing others, but doing the best you can despite our flaws, and working to incrimentally adjust and restructure. We can always change, always grow, always improve. I am so thankful for his work and the eye opening revelations thereof. He is truly a brilliant man, and a compassionate man who cares about others, who wants all of us to be better than what we are now.

[@hairynipps2599]

Very true. U have to what helps u. Even if your not mentally or physically 100 percent just got to try your best

[@danmaertens7872]

This is some of Petersons best stuff.

[@Koko9333]

Each new day you should strive to be a small bit better than the day before

[@Kokumajutsushi]

@JD Jones 'YOU should strive to be a small bit better than the day before'. The implication based on incomplete data suggests -> 'You should strive to be a small (tiny) bit better than the you, the day before.'

[@khojanelelala8117]

@JD Jones yourself

[@hopaideia]

The shadow is not only violent or sexual that we do not accept from ourselves. The shadow is everything that we do not accept about ourselves, negative and positive. Which, indeed, must be accepted, integrated and , being the case, sublimated. We need both, strength and direction..

[@deedesertrose1829]

Sometimes hard to know which is negative or positive when the traits or behaviours are repressed because of self judgement. Accepting both is the first step to integration

[@rpaulisan]

Peterson helped me immensly a couple of years ago through his lectures but I honestly feel like I've degenerated once again. That being said I've started to watch clips of JP a lot more recently and it's interesting to me how I'm sorta dialing into his philosophy over time. It's almost like the more you listen to him speak, the more you get out of it over time (even listening to the same clips over and over).

[@DarkWealthWisdom]

Video's like this really shaped my thinking and gave me a structure in which to view the puzzle pieces of being in an organized way. To recognize parts of yourself.

[@tiffanymartelli]

Learning to stand in your power. You can’t have good without evil. Ego is a tool. Compassion is a gift. Thank you, Doc Jordan 🙏

[@karltheman266]

You've got to have gone through a good deal of life experiences to understand fully what is being said in this clip... this was very powerful stuff....

[@TheSympathyOfAllThings]

Beautifully raw, honest testimony. ❤

[@vigneshparthiban]

Write down all the devious, deceitful and terrible things you’ve done. Write down the things you’ve stolen and the lies you’ve told. Write down about the time you back stabbed someone. Write down about the physical fights you been part of. Now that’s your shadow. Wear it and only use it when you need it.

[@J2DAQWST]

That's only part of your shadow. The other part is everything else that you hide from yourself or others, whether it is even good, or not necessarily either good/bad but is simply a part of who you are that you've repressed for some reason or another. It all needs to come to the surface and be given its day in the sun not to manifest into behavior necessarily but so that your conscious self can sort through the scattered Legos on the floor and figure out which pieces of you fit where. Sometimes its not until we experience trauma as a more mature adult that we finally recognize the structure we're building is lacking pieces that have been waiting scattered on the floor of our shadow that need full blown reintegration. And conversely that there are pieces that aren't fitting where we are trying to force onto that structure because they either belong somewhere else or don't belong at all, because maybe they aren't a part of you and they are a part of someone else or a piece we shaped ourselves wrongly through misconception of what should be. But as Peterson says here it isn't trying to create order through this process (because that would be a simple as math and its simply not going to be that simple) but mediating between the order and chaos to create something truly beautiful and creative. And he says it is a continual process like a snake shedding its skin, and I think that has to be true because of how complicated the nature of our consciousness is in terms of our growth and its integration with our biological/social evolutionary adaptation. This work of integrating the shadow takes a lot of time and effort, and I think analytical introspection and meditation, but not in a vacuum of meditation, but to do so intermittently alongside this confrontation with reality which we call life; living out this thing together with other people as it is only together we find the context for who we really are, and that we should once reconciled within our self then go beyond the self into the organism of humanity as a whole, and help it.

[@tspeakstlives]

@@J2DAQWST this is beautifully written

[@allureoflore5675]

@@J2DAQWST I have come to these realizations as well. In adulthood we require our shadow or the light of reality will burn us to death, and one aspect of that reality is social adaptation and evolving and adjusting your behaviours to the best of your knowledge and experience, for this can only serve you in the long run. I choose myself and if I do not, everyone else will chose themselves at my expense and that is an unfortuante timeless truth. I will be careful to whom I will give myself to and whom I deal with. My perception is imperfect in every situation, but I try to improve it, and that is all I can do. I am guilty of doing wrong to those who have given themselves to me, but I have felt that same sting as well when I foolishly gave myself to those I should not have, and this has thankfully grown my compassion, but it has also sharpened my survival instinct.

[@user-fc6yp1xq1i]

Love this. Did you write it or is it from a source that I can read more about?

[@bendaova4723]

Anyone can be an evil dipshit, it doesn't take much more than being fake and phony. Modern day cowards are fascinated with violence and tough guy nonsense but if you go back 4 thousand years ago the average man was a billion times more violent than anyone alive today. Its because your all pussies.

[@MsFreudianSlip]

LOVE this segment! Thank you for the clip!

[@Curiousnessify]

If you mute this the title could easily be "How To Use Hand Gestures"

[@chickenshieee]

Curiousnessify hahaha dafuq

[@xanthippus3190]

@@chickenshieee lmao

[@NoCommonMeasure]

lol and the hand gesture explains it all kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbQeWOKeLtsjMk

[@marcusm663]

A man went for a swim at night in some dark waters. When he emerged, some of him remained in the water, and some of the water stayed with him. He was never quite sure which. Never reverent, everywhere he went, he carried the deepest reverence.

[@antonelloc4864]

This is Peterson in his prime. With due respect for all the other things he touches upon, it’s clear that the relationship between myth and psychology is its area of expertise.

[@theloniouscastaneda]

I think you really hit the nail on the head w describing his expertise. It’s probably why I find him so valuable, because I’m a big fan of Joseph Campbell.

[@BallBatteryReligion]

Agreed. When he merges his knowledge of psychology, philosophy, mysticism, religion etc. Or you could say his knowledge of observable human nature with more esoteric ideas he speaks things that resonate on a very deep level. Like a marriage of academic knowledge combined with a formidable level of intuition and wisdom.

[@blooeagle5118]

I think.. I think this has to do with the ability to be vulnerable, and being true and honest with yourself. It takes guts to be authentic, to be essentially naked for the world to see but it gives you and your life so much more meaning when you do it. I would LOVE to see a conversation between JBP and Brene Brown discussing this and connecting the dots in their research.

[@NoCommonMeasure]

Honesty in very important and it is a concept that people fail to understand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbQeWOKeLtsjMk

[@WeAreLeoOfficial]

Wow! What a great question bro!

[@squalosus223]

A friend prompted me to integrate my shadow self 5+ years ago, and since then I've been able to overshadow those that haven't. Knowing who I am, allows me to know others and their darkness, and make moves accordingly.

[@RupalAgarwal-x9k]

How have you gone about the integration? Could you please share?

[@nickguitarfreak17]

2:50 called me out so hard. I've always felt this and I never try to hurt anyone because it creates conflict. Any more videos/books that delve deeper into this aspect on how to integrate your aggression and sexuality into your person?

[@xJunioorx]

No More Mr. Nice Guy is a book that can help with those questions

[@rockysage7760]

@@xJunioorx thank you. I also needed help about this topic. I'll check this out

[@MonkeJoee]

@@rockysage7760 did that book help?

[@rockysage7760]

@@MonkeJoee I haven't finished reading it yet. But the first 2 chapters were insightful. It was a tough pill to swallow. I didn't like being called out like that with my character flaws exposed. But I believe I understand myself better now. I'm embarrassed of what I've become in reality vs who I think I am in my mind. Good news is that the book does provide solutions to the problems. I'm definitely trying it out. I would recommend downloading the pdf for free and checking out the first two chapters. And proceed to the rest if you feel like it's relatable.

[@spudinator1522]

I understand how it's more harm than help. If you don't show any aggression and only kindness, people will take advantage of that and walk all over you or think they can get everything out of you

[@mikeh3559]

this was a moment when some things -stars, galaxies, demensions or whatever, came in to perfet allignment. well thought out question, well read, and beautifully articulated.

[@loganaustin1006]

I’m glad that I know how to do this process fairly well. I will continue to teach myself and learn to the best of my ability.

[@chadmiller3388]

He's like a sober Alan watts

[@88Sith88]

Hahaha

[@Ali-lm7uw]

He is Alan Watts on nicotine.

[@88Sith88]

@@Ali-lm7uw actually Watts smoked

[@Ali-lm7uw]

@@88Sith88 I am talking about the personality. Alan Watts is calm but Peterson is agitated.

[@cartebisbee6749]

lmao

[@giftsondomai6969]

The idea of Aggression or being aggressive make many feel guilty. But it's like part of who we are and what we are. I like what peterson said about Discipline aggression.

[@jamflox5391]

that was a wonderful question, a good example of the chaos from unorganized, cluttered wisdom until the answer was given to sort it out and orderly organized the thought in not only meaningful but something that can be applied wisdom.

[@jimbo113]

1:52-2:33 I appreciated this "personal attack." Very eye opening

[@tyronecharlesdelatorre4983]

"Anger is an energy" -Rise, Public Image Ltd

[@cameronbeal2637]

Jordan Peterson energy gives higher level of energy vibration. Love to see people this motivated, evening there faking it. It's the thought that counts

[@alexisjesusgonzalez5074]

This is the best explanation of the shadow I've seen.

[@izawaniek2568]

If you are pride of who you are, you block your progress. This video is great, Thank you.

[@mylesbradford2762]

I was just saying I was afraid to be my best self because I was afraid of hurting someone

[@Tommyknoxs]

I wrote a song and in it I proposed “ how much can I shed before I lose the artist “ and around 7:15 he answered that .

[@equistremo]

Guy had an excellent question to start off with.

[@rockanderson1515]

I love both the questions and Peterson’s explanations

[@kohaku1821]

6:06 best part, also applied to accepting externalities.

[@juanjosediaz7395]

your name and pic fits you perfectly

[@tannergoodgame4888]

"You should be able to do things you wouldn't do" thats profound

[@josephyounes8124]

Today during meditation i remembered that i am body mind and soul . I will never forget that again.

[@itslegit3268]

I am amazed to see that something ive pondered for so long is being studied

[@jcrisp90]

human existence is just so baffling and intruiging. We basically spend our entire time trying to work ourselves out. Its like someone or something gave us the key to reality but threw it away before we could open the door. Its something that keeps me awake at night. We are here and we are everything and feel connected to ourselves but we have no idea where it comes from or what it is.

[@assimpalerassimpaler]

We are only like this as of recently because of society

[@theproandonly9581]

Thank you so much, if been living a self parody of my self for so long, taking pride in my aloofness and never bettering myself, honestly I feel ashamed and hopeful, hopeful I can change into a better person, sometimes you need to show fangs so they dont bite apart of you off. I dont know why but it almost made me feel bad to shut someone down and the fear of being disliked stopped me real experiences

[@rouilliew]

Makes me feel good about myself. Knowing that my choice to not do what I'm capable of is demonstrating strong moral character. I do wonder, however, how much time I should spend going deeper and darker into my psyche. I've already admitted I'm capable of malevolence but choose not to be malevolent.

[@Beenthereduntht]

What happened w the young girl from university that he was trying to teach how to write ? The one that couldn't write? I have such a deep respect for this man. He is the Socrates of our times. #jordanpeterson

[@TommyB1524]

Although I don't usually agree with Jordan's social and political commentary I immensely respect his ability to break down psychology. Truly brilliant

[@andrewbresee2969]

Being that which mediates between chaos and order… We are that which transforms. There’s something so liberating about that.

[@FreeJulianAssange23]

The core feeling I ran from was feeling loved, sabatoged my relationships for years or attracting emotionally unavailable partners inducing so much pain and suffering and ended up Alienated from my 3 sons missing thier whole childhood, feeling like the victim, blaming everything, It all hurts so damn much. I caused my life to become a Nightmare

[@LetsGetHighOnMorris]

Anda Lightworker hang on there. I’m rooting for you to make it out of your hell.

[@subatomicmystery]

@@emile.. Look up the song Guarded by Disturbed and you'll have a sense of this sort of psychological trauma. You probably led a silver spoon fed life in an emotionally healthy neighborhood if you really have no idea of the depths of hell that constantly angry, depressed, and/or anxious people can lose themselves to.

[@kaylynnwatson3314]

It's never too late

[@ryansweeney5716]

A lot of females when they are young and attractive cause so much damage, unfirtunately, by the time they are 35 there is no going back.

[@dinasimone9815]

@@ryansweeney5716 ur shadow self might need to deal with issues of misogyny.

[@aminetanouyat9643]

I changed my mind about Jordan Peterson. When I was a fundemental atheist, i tought he was a joke. But now being a Taoist, I think he is a pretty wise person

[@Earthgazer]

fall on the floor laughing react. good stuff.

[@valedictatormoo123]

@Mitch it's like a thing with atheists... when they start looking for real answers they end up in Taoism.

[@Curiousnessify]

why do u have to call yourself anything

[@faiz6730]

He’s most than just a wise person.

[@blackdaan]

Never label anything. You could just choose what you like and want to do. But labeling is setting limits in your life for no good reason. And besides that, you can only upset others with it..

[@TraceVandal]

46 and 2

[@CJWilliams96]

TOOL 🤘🤘🤘

[@splish596]

That song just bought me here

[@moeazam6358]

SEVENTEEN THIRTY EIGHT

[@orangewarm1]

5 and 7

[@kushalsb460]

@@splish596 yeah me too

[@zion367]

In the example of the father it doesn't mean that we incorporate the shadow aspect, but its healthy form. In the case of agression it would be assertiveness and advocating for yourself. Standing your ground. All expressions that are destructive are not the healthy expressions, but shadow traits. Those manifest as a result of pushing parts of ourselves away. By pulling all your parts closer, you shine the light on them and they have no longer opportunity to operate from the shadows.

[@szlvid6]

Amazing insightful content! Thank you!🌱

[@aaronbell4004]

*sith voice* USE YOUR ANGER. MAKES YOU STRONGER 😈

[@aaronbell4004]

Brian, I have no idea what you’re trying to say

[@ReddOrigins]

eh, the sith did have a point though lol it's trying to teach us something, in Jordan Peterson's words, the shadow is trying to tell u something that u need to hear. Anger is good!

[@daedalusdreamjournal5925]

@@ReddOrigins Anger like joy or sadness are things that evolution gave us humans that have a role to play in our survival. But most of society has corrupted the initial role of differents emotions ... Like for example, happiness is good, sadness is bad, joyful is good, anger is bad ... etc ... we need to reclaim our birthright given to us by our ancestors or old (and when I mean old, I mean OLD, like the very real humans to ever walk the earth.

[@orangewarm1]

the proper moral position is to have access to the dark side and not use it. or use it for good. like Luke in Return of the Jedi.

[@naughtyskywalker9292]

*GOOOOD ...*

[@bobdownie.2806]

Very interesting ideas. I had often thought as a police officer that our job role was something like, get a bunch of people that represent the common man or woman, train them to resolve conflict, then throw them into chaos and hope they help bring things to order. Turns out I have been assigned the role of integrating my shadow as best as I can. Not always fun, but certainly interesting to view the process from this perspective. Don’t bother making negative comments, I won’t be reading them.

[@Savant3232]

Dumbledore teaching happy potter a new spell haha love it

[@00114d]

The amount of reading involved in this answer is staggering.

[@zanejenkins2813]

That was truly insightful, I do my best to follow

[@deletedchannelname7426]

Fascinating. The Jungian idea of the shadow is almost (or maybe completely) paralleled to the concept of why the human is superior to the angel in the Islamic faith. The angels are creatures who possess individual intellect, but have no will of their own, they are compelled to obey God. Humans aren't compelled in the same way. We have the choice between good and evil (or in other words, belief and disbelief) and those who have the choice, but choose good anyway are the superior beings. It parallels the idea of the shadow. It is not those who are afraid to hurt others who are virtuos (their fear compells them). Instead, it is those who have the capacity to hurt, (i.e. possesses the choice) but are determined not to (they choose "good" anyway) who are truly virtuos. Fascinating concepts. I suppose what Dr Peterson means by intergrating our shadows may actually be astonishingly similar to the nature of our very being.

[@ace9924]

Never really thought of it like that though knowledge is tackled much in the scripture and this is supported by the first word which was "read". The first verses of the second chapter where God creates Adam, the angels proclaim that his kind will cause conflict but God responds with, indeed I know that which you do not. And after God creates Adam, he teaches him creation and tells the angels to name creation but they can't as they possess no knowledge but then Adam recited the names of creation. This connects to the cave chapter that jung analyzed and in that chapter a Saint is sought after by the prophet Moses for divine knowledge and this illustrated that a Saint can posses more knowledge than a prophet.

[@clericknight7304]

I am in a state of transforming the concept of shadow work is not taught I. Life as it should be. I’m so happy for the ability to transform. I thought my shadow was evil but with it I can get done what needs to be done: I have found I have almost been suppressing most all of it and my life has been unpleasant but even the idea of integrating the shadow had opened me up a bit to see money isn’t evil , the right amount of greed will make me self sufficient, my specialty is what it is won’t suppress it, my Inability to trust others has made me I trust worthy. I want to live , and work these energy’s. I am worth something and I thought I was worthless.

[@jelenazlojutro4337]

I love my life again because of JP. Thank you.

[@vincentlanglo7367]

7:32 I think we do have an upper limit to that. Enlightenment is the giving up on all worldly attachments, so an enlightened person is the one which transforms and that which he transforms. It is the realization of oneness with everything

[@mayaparker6323]

Integrating shadow is lifecwork Mr Peterson and guest !!

[@mmendi1114]

see the way Prof. Peterson thinks for a nano second then comes up with the most elloquent way to state his ideas....magnificent

[@drewlax23]

This kid used a lot of words to successfully express an emotional question about myself/life that I couldn't find the words to express of ask

[@muhammadusmanarif5338]

"We are the things that voluntarily face chaos and transforms". Jordan Peterson

[@detago7814]

But how can you prove to yourself that you can do something dark and shadowy without actually doing it?

[@zacharybaillie1769]

I was wondering the same thing for a long time and was at odds with the idea of abandoning the ideal of living with compassion towards others and the cultivation of an outwardly unpleasant and disagreeable persona. The key is balance. We all naturally feel anger and stress at times, so pretending that the world is one big zen sand garden in every situation doesn't work. There has to be a channeled outlet for inner-aggression that would otherwise manifest in ways we would later regret. My outlet is working out and cold showers, because they allow you to channel your aggression to push you out of your comfort zone in order to achieve something instead of blindly lashing out when the internal pressure bubbles over. Subjecting yourself to highly unpleasant physical and social circumstances that ultimately benefit you is all the proof you need that you can tap into that dark and shadowy side of your personality when the "nice-guy" side of you fails without actually doing anything terrible to others.

[@detago7814]

@@zacharybaillie1769 I like that, youre an insightful dude. Cold showers and the gym, the devil in me bout to be swole AF lol

[@abduleve8688]

I can't do that I'm a good guy

[@antonnovo695]

Didn't you ever wanted to Strangle some mofo?

[@incognito6352]

@@antonnovo695 only every f'n day.

[@E_LithaBeth]

Thanks. I enjoyed that.

[@AexisRai]

[tldr: you gotta break yourself to remake yourself] The poor guy got interrupted from the interesting thought process he was starting at 6:05. I'll try to guess where he was going and follow that thought (if you're that guy, please correct me): "Dissolve and Integrate" acts to reconcile the idea of "burning off dead wood" and the idea of "integrating the shadow" in this way: the parts of yourself are structured together in a rigid way that is not working properly; dissolution and "burning off" is about breaking out of the rigidity of that structure to improve it by reordering it and making different things important, and integration is about bringing parts of it that were rejected because they are volatile and dangerous into a form of stability. I am imagining some misshapen rigid crystal-lattice-mesh thing submerged into solvent and breaking apart and its atoms being reorganized, and the reactive ones from the interior bonding into more stable positions on the surface. (I am not a chemist. Or an alchemist.) I mean, you can kinda throw around these metaphors all you want; it's hard to tell while you're in this frame of mind, when you're just saying the exact same thing a different way vs. when you actually have a new insight. I hope I at least sorta followed that thought in the direction he was going with it. Unfortunately I can only guess, because JBP didn't let him finish his thought, and rambled for a while in a rather different direction. This is a Q&A period, he really should have limited his free-association there. I also thought during the guy's initial question that maybe these aren't so contradictory, because the things you cast off and the things you integrate might not be in the same category / domain of discourse. The parts of you that need to be cast off are in some sense _actually there right now_ and aren't doing you any good, while the parts of you which have somehow been lost or suppressed were in some sense _not really part of you_ and could potentially be brought into you. Right now I'm not so sure about that train of thought. The one category sounds like it would contain things like "bad habits", which have _not_ always been a part of your life, and in some sense have NO possible alternative form of their expression that would be positive, and should really be eradicated from your self. Meanwhile the other category sounds like "personality aspects like aggression and sexuality", which are parts of yourself that _really always were there_ and which actually _do_ have a way they could be expressed that would be positive. So that leads me to think they're not the same. But I'm less sure this distinction is a real one now.

[@wolfferoni]

This. It wasn't as a result of this video but I watched another video about the shadow self and wondered what the difference was between your shadow traits vs bad habits. Are you naturally born with all of your traits or are they a product of your environment growing up and so they're learnt? Bad habits are learnt behaviours. I'd say your traits are a combination of both nature and nurture, as most people would agree with in terms of a person's personality. In saying that, it means some of your traits are innate and some aren't. How do you know which is which? A shadow trait is one that you've repressed. If you have a bad habit for long enough, do they become a trait? E.g. if you grew up in an abusive home and ended up having anger issues for decades after so it basically becomes part of your personality, is your aggression a trait or is it just a bad habit? Could you change that?

[@vigneshparthiban]

Write down all the devious, deceitful and terrible things you’ve done. Write down the things you’ve stolen and the lies you’ve told. Write down about the time you back stabbed someone. Write down about the physical fights you been part of. Now that’s your shadow. Wear it and only use it when you need it.

[@subatomicmystery]

Excellent analysis although I would add that when ancient "alchemists" / philosophers / mystics / Jung talks about Integration - it can be from any aspect of your life, not limited only the the shadow. For example, many masses of 1st world adults have lost their childhood imagination / creativity / emotional depth. This is a crucial element to regain - that is if you want to be a fulfilled, vibrant, self-actualized human (striving towards the peak of your potentials).

[@lizloukiss]

Is it just me, or does the young man posing the question sound an awful lot like the mystery narrator of the Academy of Ideas channel?

[@pixieseyz]

Elizabeth Smith yes! It’s how he pronounces the word “process” that got me thinking it was him.

[@ryankemp8798]

Damn. Dynamite question. I’m blown away just about that.

[@midnightsxtc]

1:26 very interesting on the Alchemical idea

[@mattameta]

-we have times we are purely alchemical - base to gold and then return to base but with some gold flakes integrated from the fire of transmutation..

[@nq100]

I have laready integrated my schadow. I understand what i can be and every other Person. So i can be so Kind to others and walk away if a Person isnt worth wile. I dont have to punch someone in his face to feel hole.

[@MrLovingspain]

isnt worthwile? That suggests that you think you are better than then them. Seperation happened there.

[@jazz_and_tea]

“Are you the order, the chaos or the process that mediates between them?”- wow!

[@redllarbxen3237]

I suggest an Ayahuasca Ceremony, integrating your core in connection to the whole, I'm certain it'd help with all trauma and pain Where are you located though?

[@jazz_and_tea]

@@redllarbxen3237 thank you for your suggestion but I am sure for very valid reasons that it is nothing for me. Did you suggest it based on your own experience?

[@redllarbxen3237]

@@jazz_and_tea Yeah. I can surely affirm there's no better integration than Ayahuasca

[@jazz_and_tea]

@@redllarbxen3237 I am glad that it worked for you well but I am also sure it is not for everyone just like every other remedy for there is no universal remedy for every condition or ailment or every person as we are all so different. And while something can be beneficial for many or most it might be harmful for a few others.

[@redllarbxen3237]

@@jazz_and_tea true

[@bobbysworld8186]

This is so important for us to do . Seems to me a tool that will illuminate the human , allowing transition bottom - up out of ignorance, as it's the universal starting place / nature state of humans.