The Semantics of Shadow Work | Valisa Griffin | TEDxChattanooga

An emotionally evocative experience within, throughout and beyond trauma. Deep breathing segues into vulnerable storytelling in this unexpected juxtaposition of personal and shared historical trauma. “The Semantics of Shadow Work” exposes repressed generational truth and asks us not to run from it, so we can heal from it. Valisa Griffin is a Black American writer, motivational speaker and founder of Folding Chair Literacy Group, an organization that builds cultural esteem through ethnocentric literacy aid development. She uses Black literature and the sacred art of vulnerable storytelling to herald Black American truth where gentrified folklore and biased omission would better serve our egos. She exists to push our society beyond the comfortable and trendy façade of “Diversity and Inclusion” that we might wrestle with our shared generational traumas to birth a cultural embodiment of truth and acceptance within our authentic selves. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@joshnavaltaa]

"When we don't teach the history of the trauma, then we preserve the power dynamic that bred the trauma in the first place." She's amazing.

[@josefinalarachavez4425]

🙌🏽

[@fatkatwiththegap7920]

When she said they don't wanna be healed they wanna be untraumatized that hit me so hard. Thank you Goddess. ❤️

[@Dischordian]

Yes that was a powerful moment, and what followed.

[@kimaparker6430]

Me toooo😮

[@Red_Black_Key]

That statement was a Diamond of Truth.

[@RabbitHeart08]

“Healing is not the eraser of the trauma but it is the revelation of the truth. “ This was all very helpful and articulated so so well. Thank you!

[@catrinagriffin6141]

This young lady had a message that is absolutely necessary for us all. She has definitely done some extensive inner work on the self. What we seek is on the inside.

[@moniquesinned4210]

When she said she has no image of being held ! I felt that because I don’t have a picture of my mother holding me either . Yeah I felt that 😢

[@brandontylerburt]

A gifted, viscerally charged speaker.

[@ennamorgan]

This has got to be the most moving, engaging, and enlightening TED talk I've ever listened to. Why does this video have only 18K views? And...Am I the only one who thinks she looks and sounds like, is equally insightful and articulate, and has the same last name as comedian Eddie Griffin?

[@didicotton3900]

Arguable the most impactful 18mins and 45seconds I’ve spent on KZbin ever🙌🏾. Thank you for your vulnerability and the skill to reach your audience not only with words, yet with feeling✊🏾

[@trueXMotionFitness]

This is the best Ted, TedeX talk I've ever watched. Even her Shadow Work/Meditation idea of the picture & the daises is a great idea. I'm going to try that. I want to look her up, too. I'm curious if she's written a book or had any other talks.

[@jimonalimb]

One of my favorite talks from this day. Thank you for your vulnerability!

[@mdw.444]

Truly agree

[@tanishawrites1111]

Valisa, I hear you and I see you beautiful sister. Please know I felt seen by the telling of your story AND our ancestral trauma history. May the Most High continue to operate through you and bless you as well all those that extend from you. Peace & Love.

[@pronotper]

This Ted talk changed my life! She is so beautiful and powerful. I would hold her and hug her forever. What an absolutely BEAUTIFUL SOUL. A light worker for sure! Her light is so so bright. I want to see more of her! Somebody give her a book deal. This woman is AMAZING! FR. I had to stop what I was doing and PAY ATTENTION. Her tone demands it in a soft way. I have never seen anything like it. Let's get her a book deal. Valisa, they missed out on time with ur beautiful soul. There loss! I know. I get it. I definitely suffer from what I call my mommy never loved me syndrome. Made me a people pleaser with NO boundaries. I will not forget this talk. EVER! LIGHT & LOVE!

[@TabletalkwtoshToshTalks2U]

I love everything about this discussion. Valisa you are a true teacher. Thank you for being you and showing people how to not become untraumatized but to do the work to become healed.

[@thuggineternal]

The shadow work video I needed to help me to finally understand shadow work. I shared it with my girls and told them to watch alone so they can cry freely.

[@evek212]

this is incredibly important. incredible speaker. thank you

[@ronellistunstill92]

This was the best one that day!!!!

[@iamlindavilela]

this touched me so deeply. the honesty, the vulnerability, the truth. may we breathe together more, may we open ourselves up to the truth and collectively hold more space for healing.

[@rosek315]

It is not an accident I found this talk today.. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@liv7492]

I wished this was longer, this was incredible. Thank you Valisa

[@famousace4652]

She’s so powerful

[@Stinkwolff83]

Incredibly powerful!

[@Verena2022]

This is so powerful. When she explained most people don’t want to be healed, they want to be un traumatized, I absolutely lost it. Unlocked something I’ve been trying to access. I think this idea will help me move forward

[@casssiaaaaa]

You are extraordinary Valisa, thank you for sharing

[@dimples1652]

Thank you so much for your lesson. My last name is Griffin from my father and he never met his older sister, but you look just like us and we're from Jacksonville FL. Again thank you.

[@Nimbus_11]

This is the most intellectual talk I’ve EVER listened to! Thank you Valisa for being beyond amazing! You are truly on a vibration I aspire to achieve! I don’t plan on being on this planet much longer but for the lil bit of time I plan on fighting and staying, I’ll definitely incorporate your talk and lessons in my perspective in building a better world for everyone! 🥰❤️

[@zumbajenn1]

I am new in my shadow work journey and I am so thankful to have stumbled across your video! Thank you for helping me to understand what shadow work actually is. I hope you continue to educate on this topic. You’re wonderful!!

[@Qumi222]

Thank you queen✨🫶🏾. Sending you healing and light. I wrote a page of notes for myself, my 3 daughters, and their dad. I love you, I see you🖤

[@chara8231]

Brilliant! I am speechless. I have to watch it a second time just to process everything🙌🏿 I need to get started on my shadow work for sure💯 The speaker was amazing!🤗

[@HaleyVPackett]

Valisa Griffin is amazingly gifted, I was incredibly moved by this presentation. Such an empowering and revealing talk, thank you for sharing this.

[@t3b0g0]

It got better and better as I listened. Uniquely told, direct and concise. Welldone!

[@8no1likeme-infinitestar65]

THANK YOU BEAUTIFUL SOUL

[@coreenpedroso7179]

I have listened to many Ted Talks and this is by far one of the most powerful, insightful talks I've heard. Though somewhat understated, it certainly opens up the door to the exploration of this "unconventional" modality of inner healing work. Unfortunately, our western societies have not embraced anything that appears to be outside of our faith based teachings and norms, making it difficult for those who can benefit from this work to actually receive it. It's time we stop demonizing every practice we don't understand and start the conversation on how we can best serve our communities to promote healing from trauma regardless of it's cause. Thank you for sharing.

[@sherececocco]

Thank you for your energy Valisa! I have a message for people who call others out of their name, I am sorry your parents failed you.

[@sherececocco]

I struggled with finding a picture of me to feeling compassion. I was gifted a grandchild. I used their picture and my compassion for them to build a bridge.

[@luvlichi]

Beautiful Goddess you're soooo loveable. Your voice and your energy is important. You are more than enough and I'm grateful for you sharing your journey. Keep shining... love, light & life to you always ✨️ ❤️

[@Liveonpoint99]

Empress, you nailed this talk! I needed these reminders. I have gratitude for your spirit allowing you to be "awkward". it was authentic. Thank you for sharing your story and your wisdom.

[@TheSavonExperience]

One of my favorite folks. Look at god! I love!!!

[@domatello_]

This touched me in a special way.

[@abieml95]

INCREDIBLE! Super deep on a personal level and on a societal level. Definitely keeping this in the archives!

[@user-tz2fx8nk4l]

I hope Velisa Griffin writes poetry. If and when she does, I hope she shares it with the world.

[@NallahBrown]

"A highly politicized society. A society that needs everything to be immediately categorized. If it's good or bad, right or wrong. What does that do for us? It helps us get around having to emotionally process anything because it desensitizes the way we feel and prioritizes the way that we think."

[@geekgirrrl]

Bars frfr❤❤❤❤❤

[@AtypicalType]

This hit me right in the heart. Thank you.

[@version.c8758]

Wow, You are definitely meant to do this work! This is so powerful and illuminating... I wish I could find more of you. Thank you for sharing this part of yourself it really impacted me, at just the right time.❤

[@keishahines6733]

This sister blessed me! Thank you for this informative, powerful lesson! 🙌🏾

[@ternon83]

Powerful, to the point, and full of nuggets. This alignment with this video for me is proof of a conversation i had last night, as well as 20 minutes or so ago with my brothers. The gratitude is real. I like all of it i like setting up for success and reviewing shadow with clarity n confidence is on brand for my experience. Thank you... the gratitude is real.

[@michaelapatton5379]

THIS MESSAGE WAS SOOOOO NECESSARY FOR ME, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

[@iuogvftulvclhg]

wow that was by far the best ted talk ive ever seen! thank you for the wisdom!!!

[@sethawarren]

Wow… speaking nothing but her truth. Powerful words from a powerful speaker. Thank you.

[@faatimahjackson4009]

This video is so eye opening. Came across this video as I was reading about shadow work and trauma.

[@hanamunroe7803]

Does anyone know where I can find more of her online? She's amazing!

[@nanetteaddesso7560]

I know! I want more info on her too. This KZbin had me in tears

[@dylanmaxey2531]

Dec 2023-I still look but find nothing current beyond this. Hopefully if anybody finds her new works no matter the subject, I hope you will update here please.

[@johnluke37]

It's beyond teaching the truth. It's morning The reality of what we have done to deny acceptance. Compassion and what freedom we can have in the human experience. Your description of the state of division where we mentalize in order not to deal with our emotions is spot on. Thank you.

[@PrettySkyEarthAngel]

💕✨ Thank you for this very unexpected Galentine’s Gift! I am grateful to have come across this message. Love & Light. 💕✨

[@myfaveisdabestestyaaas7673]

Food for thought indeed

[@b4realz23]

Omg 30 yrs so much Insight I was not expecting it but I serious think this video changed my whole outlook basically my life thank you for these insights into how the smallest things can affect us soo much in a detrimental way and unconsciously as well, knowing that the shadow can rebel and control our life sabotage our conscious wishes I didnt realize really how deep we are all traumatized thank you "for ruining my day" jk (referring to the joke ) thank you for changing the way I think

[@stonedoliveees]

Hearing this was an inspiring Revelation ! Wow! Deep gratitude 🌹

[@deellaboe437]

The best Ted talk

[@howwedc9475]

Wow❤️So powerful how she took that message full circle.

[@ronruthruff2518]

So profoundly good, and hard and true

[@jamie86403]

Powerful. Thank you.

[@tranayajordan8508]

Yesss ❣️❣️💯

[@haydenseitcher7079]

so powerful, thank you

[@natashaburrows7743]

Wow what an incredible women. Had me in tears. So powerful. Feeling blessed to have seen this video 🙏🏻🥹🥰❤️❤️

[@brejarrells2266]

Amazing speaker and deep work needs to be done

[@ShaeMacMillan]

A brilliant talk that was delivered with power, intelligence and sensitivity. Well done on your journey to be untraumatised. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@sabine1072]

Absolutely love this TED talk! Hope to see more from her. This was very inspiring and important to hear.

[@tm27field]

Love her personality

[@priscillaandhercats]

Those first 8 minutes… I felt as if you were staring at a mirror and talking to me directly . It’s been 28 years and not once from those 3 baby pictures that I have ,noticed I was alone . I have trauma alot of it and I cry when I try to explain myself and it frustrates me more because I don’t know where to start. For a month ? Shadow work has been very loud on my path and I’ve been puttin it on the back burner but a trigger made me do some research and here I am … thank you ❤ thank you so much for sharing your story . I’ve spent my time in earth trying to act like my past didn’t exist. But it’s an important part of me ❤. Thank you 🙏 for taking the time to explain this ❤️‍🩹

[@camishajrobinson]

Needed this so much. Thank you ❤

[@Selfmagnet]

Thank you for sharing I was in tears I can relate 😢

[@teahgurl]

This made me cry smh…

[@dartaansone4022]

Good conclusion and perspective Bravo!

[@spiritrain3343]

Very Powerful!❤️💪🏽

[@andreasauter4120]

Thanks for that Talk and your vulnerability ❤

[@rozz9085]

Brilliantly weaved. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@babeakuscaesar]

Deep sis, damn near in tears her

[@sakesenpai]

Powerful, simply that

[@iva1531]

Most articulate, incisive, insightful talk I've here so far.

[@carlosangulo11]

Great video!! Thank you 😊 🙏🏻Unconditional love to all ❤️ ♾️ 🌌

[@Micro.Movement]

10:25 I think theres a mistake in the defenitions - "where the shadow ends and the self begins" the shadow is part of the self, so the self doesnt start when the shadow begins.

[@mayflower2904]

Incredible

[@Adele_36]

this is the best ted talk ive seen. thank you so much

[@yasmeenbowie6638]

This talk was so powerful ❤

[@tomlinwilding]

Thank you so much for this. Very powerful

[@maki9396]

Powerful. Deep. 🙏🏾

[@stacyburrell13]

What a gift!

[@tm27field]

Fantastic presentation, thank you

[@malcomalexander6927]

Wow. Just wow! 🔥🔥🔥🙏

[@kiwyroxy]

Loved this talk. ❤ you need to write a book on this….and share your insights with the masses.

[@yeet5148]

Oh wow. I was not ready for this one, but I receive it. Wow!

[@WhoIsModernDoll]

Bravo! Thank you!!!

[@chosenone599]

Powerful! ❤

[@Beggaronmars]

Never seen a more real, authentic, and eloquent person

[@danadrinkwater5681]

AMAZING, STRONG, BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS SPEECH. ❤

[@lakitamorrow5130]

Awesome and full of healing. ❤

[@nnylasoR]

Sooo good. So, so good.

[@tracyplant5098]

That was the best 18 min and 44 seconds I have ever spent. I have been researching shadow work and I am fully convinced I need it! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@sjobe7358]

So powerful!❤️

[@hoooyea163]

So happy I watched this. Everything she said, and the way she said it, was incredibly novel

[@dylanmaxey2531]

One of the better TedTalks I have seen. The intimacy of the space and ease of comfort she gives to us as she shares her story and gained wisdom for one so young. (I'm 60 so anybody below 40 is young. LOL) They 'don't want to be healed but to be untraumatized", truth in her response to that thought. Forgive me but a sidebar rant about why so many GenX and older people still have untreated trauma beyond financial burden: Distrust of the APA and Psychological profession until recent changes in past 10-20 years. Due the horrific state psychology was in pre-2000 revolution/correction in therapy and understanding of how to treat, and dx PTSD/CPTSD scarred so many in the decades before that change in treatment attitude which replicated the damaging traits victims suffered. The blank slate belief therapists embraced and practiced they do not interact personally or show you are a human to the client scarred too many already vulnerable clients when shut down by a therapist if one dared innocently asked a therapist,"How was your vacation," after they returned from one. Therapists treated the client/patient just like abusive adults from the victim's past. The long term inter-generational effects caused by the psychological profession then allowed no healing, patients quitting and the trauma behaviors passed on to infest a new generation of their children.

[@Attention2Love]

Wow. This is great.

[@Mauieee33]

This is just so beautiful!!!