The Golden Shadow: How To Become Your Highest Self | Jungian Psychology | Shadow Work Series 05/08

[@jordanthornton]

I know that not everybody can afford an online course, but I hope that the fifteen videos in the Shadow Work Playlist will support the next steps of your shadow integration journey. I created this free playlist to function like a crash-course on shadow psychology with the intention of being as accessible and actionable as possible. I didn't want to stash the basics behind a paywall or email signup - I would rather you keep learning right here on KZbin. You can instantly access over five hours of beginner-to-advanced shadow work exercises and lectures with the free playlist linked in the description. Make sure to take your time with the guided exercises, and don't forget to buy the golden books. Jordan P. S. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to this comments section community. My channel is niche, and you've seen the Inner Work Library slowly expand over the last two years. I feel fortunate to receive such deep and genuine connections online, and KZbin recently told me that there have been more than 4000 unique commentors across my entire channel. Thank you for showing up, I appreciate you. If you want more depth, we can meet inside the library: courses.jordanthornton.com/shadow-work-library/

[@Skullchick_911]

I went to look at the course cuz im in the thick of it and i AM 41 and just began my spiritual 3 years ago. 😢 Only when my mom died did i begin. Anyway i don't have that kind of money right now but thank you for offering some equa⁶8⁸a*@

[@BlackWolffffffffffff]

You are my golden shadow , your knowledge & communication skills lol .

[@Hero_Of_Old]

I've noticed part of me sabotages myself from becoming my highest best self. Probably because it puts me in a uncomfortable, uncharted territory, its easier to go back to bad habits and thus having an excuse for why you can't do things. Weird and interesting.

[@jordanthornton]

I’ve been there, and know the feeling. It can change with time but it seems like you’ve got a good awareness - check out some of the ‘self sabotage’ videos I’ve put up on the channel with search, they address this 🌲

[@CFChristian]

I've read it's also a way for you to be the one at fault and have "control" over it, versus allowing someone else to do it to you. Very interesting and very relatable as well.

[@Hero_Of_Old]

@@CFChristian That makes a lot of sense, I'm realising more and more most of my problems come from a sense of 'control'

[@RCCurtright]

Easy does it. When we push past discomfort into distress, our nervous system drives us back toward the familiar and comfortable. It’s strategy to combat overwhelm and disregulation. The good news is gradually over time, our capacity expands and what was once overwhelming becomes second nature.

[@sadiekimmer3950]

Your voice is medicine to my nervous system. Grounded, regulated, centered. I need this and I also need it from the people around me. Steady.

[@jordanthornton]

Appreciate the space to talk about these important topics, thanks for being here, Sadie.

[@roaldkala]

You’re one of the people I admire, Jordan. :)

[@jordanthornton]

Time to withdraw that golden shadow and integrate all that potential hahahah - (jokes aside, thank you - keep going with your path!)

[@roaldkala]

@@jordanthornton Oh no worries I'm well on the path with this work. You're The healthiest, most balanced and grounded person I've found in the self-development space and I always appreciate learning about your perspectives. And you deserve the compliment man, you really did well for yourself and I'm happy to see you reaping these well-earned rewards! Other two I can think of now are Ram Dass and Terence McKenna. Guess my dream of being a full time psychedelic facilitator makes some sense seeing those I admire. :)

[@morganlake41632]

I was brainwashed into vertical thinking - up is good, down is bad, north is good, south is bad, positive is good, negative is bad, kings are good, low status folk are bad...Seek ascending, avoid descending. Bending nature to our will is good, letting nature run wild is bad. For civilization to sustain itself - we must be socialized to think this way. We live in a hierarchical society. The verticality must be maintained so that the flow of wealth from the wide bottom of society to the narrow top is maintained. What if we see the world from prehistory ? What if children study horizontal Paleolithic societies? Teachers will have a much more difficult job indoctrinating us. My most authentic self feels like it resides at my nadir which is continually migrating to deeper levels - not down - deeper. I appreciate when you say you don't want to use these clichés - higher self - My authentic self is not up and away - it is down and in. You will know you are being your authentic self when you observe yourself enacting a "creative out pouring" producing things you cherish and bring you delight. Welcome home.

[@arcxgamer6654]

Stumbled across your channel tonight. Your voice and aura is very calming. I am on a healing journey as an adult child of an toxic parent. I don't want info dumed down for people who are envious,or don't understand even slightly sophisticated vocabulary. Just from this video I can tell I am going to get a lot from your channel.

[@jordanthornton]

Great time to find me, welcome. Watching this playlist is the best way to get the most out of me quickly - highly curated and should give you plenty to work with.

[@FransicoSuave-hn4xq]

I could listen to you ramble on and in in every video. It's so much more than information unpacked; it's entirely intention and the non verbal connection you animate onto my meager cell phone. I just had to pause admire the drunken master rambling!

[@jordanthornton]

You’ll love the new shadow work playlist then - hours of intentional rambling 😉

[@beckymagnolia1]

Holy cow! I just did this, but also did it with the inverse (people who I feel disdain for). The list of character traits I came up with for each grouping tell me so much about myself. Very helpful. The shadow "disdain" list is even more telling than the golden shadow list. I'm going to need to sit with this for a bit. Thank you!! I love having little practical exercises. 🙏

[@jordanthornton]

Really enjoyed having these practical exercises in the shadow work library, and doing my best to translate some of them to work here on KZbin too! Thanks for taking part 🌲

[@komoinlostland]

You’d be an amazing father, Jordan. Any soul born as your progeny is so fortunate and blessed.

[@jordanthornton]

Thank you, it’s many years away for me in this life, but I’ll keep doing what I can with these videos and teachings to keep that energy flowing.

[@komoinlostland]

@@jordanthornton God bless you, brother. ⭐️

[@staceysmyth0434]

I’ve only been listening to you for 3 days I’ve never had more peace and growth and ability to see myself and not shy away from it. I hope this continues and I feel it will change me for the better thank you so much.

[@jordanthornton]

Powerful, thank you for being here. Happy to have connected in the right timing - enjoy the playlist and feel free to join me in the library if you want something structured and intense hahaha

[@staceysmyth0434]

Wow just seeing this now. I’m still watching all the videos you have so much information it’s unreal. How do I join the library I’m glutton for intense.

[@francescaali8782]

At just the right time…… only heard of one type of shadow which clearly proved problematic till I found you today!! Thank you! I am at the perfect place to understand and learn from this!!! 🔥👏🏾🙏🏾❤️

[@jordanthornton]

Excellent time to be here, Francesca. The shadow work series will be completed this week - check out the playlist in the description too. Wishing you well on your exploration into the depths.

[@francescaali8782]

@@jordanthornton definitely! Thank you so much! Excited!

[@Hunkeykung]

Thank you for the guidance. As many said you have a nice voice to listen to and speak eloquently. To improve you should pause a bit more between your sentences. It makes it easier to follow you. All the best to you 🙌🏼

[@SonicDruid1]

Was waiting for this one. This is gold ✨🔥🌙✨

[@jordanthornton]

Nice pun 😉🏆

[@gailaltschwager7377]

Yay! A video on finding the best in ourselves. Thank you, Jordan!

[@jordanthornton]

Finally some hope 😂

[@markabayevag]

@@jordanthorntonyeees ☺️ exactly my thought 😃 I loved it! I am like wow they really do have the same traits. Thank you!! I love your work! Have a nice holiday 🎊

[@mindfulpaths101]

Traits in the women I currently admire: Highly knowledgeable in business, credible background, super confident, found her purpose owns it and lives it, unapologetic, carved her own path, wealthy Knowledgeable on deep spiritual topics, extremely intelligent, articulate, confident, authentic, dark feminine, found purpose owns it and lives it, wealthy, unapologetic, carved her own path Radiant, authentic, deeply happy from within, light feminine, found her purpose owns it lives it, unapologetic, carved her own path, exudes health Average age 33 I am 29 so I have some time 😉

[@jordanthornton]

Really appreciate you sharing this here, thank you. These are indeed admirable traits, and looks like you've got four years to continue to refine them in yourself! Sounds like an inspirational woman.

[@mindfulpaths101]

@@jordanthornton thank you! As I wrote the traits out and thought some more, I notice how beautifully balanced all these qualities are too. The 1st one, whilst it’s a female, shows quite masculine traits. The 2nd one shows more deep, mysterious and dark feminine qualities and the last is very light warm nurturing feminine. It would definitively be optimal to be able to integrate all of this!! It’s interesting that these were the only three women that came to mind as well. And all with the common theme of owning who they are and going their own way… It’s motivating to look at this in this way!

[@AB-cs2dj]

I am trying to learn from you as much as possible to heal my soul. Thank you for all the free vids.

[@morganlake41632]

Power over things and people bring you the best drug I know of: serotonin. I hated myself for doing this, but I still need serotonin - (Self-esteem, self-competency, feeling in control) So, I focused on controlling things so I would not control people but still get the serotonin we all need. As a teacher for 23 years my goal was to have every student leave my classroom with more serotonin (feelings of competency and power) than when they entered that day. Interesting that my own serotonin increased as I catalyzed the students acqusition. Power is most valued by vertical societies, horizontal societies value harmony instead.

[@morganlake41632]

What things? My control over the guitar, composing, playing, producing, engineering sound. The challenge is fathomless, 30 years later, it's getting even better, but dont't believe me, please judge for yourself.

[@tuningintospirit1111]

❤love your message ❤

[@jordanthornton]

Love speaking about this topic!

[@flowerfreedom7168]

Just found your channel now and it’s very interesting also you have a great voice you could tell me anything and I’ll listen lol

[@jordanthornton]

I hope you've been enjoying the videos and picking up new books too - this shadow work playlist is particularly useful for getting started.

[@Saoussennelina]

Amazing content, as usual 🌿✨

[@jordanthornton]

Always appreciated your support! 🌲

[@bogenl12]

One of your greatest videos!

[@jordanthornton]

Appreciate that you relate - welcome, and enjoy the golden shadow potential you've got going.

[@createa.googleaccount713]

Bravo! A real eye opener! Target 🎯 ❤Thank you 💫🙏🏻

[@jordanthornton]

Seeing this right away! Happy to have hit the mark! 🏹

[@user-il2oy5kb7f]

As a woman, I think it’s hard as we’re expected to only look up to stereotypical “maternal” roles, even today. I was thought of as crazy for looking up to independent women as a young child.

[@dianevierra781]

good job with theses updated videos so far, Jordan! (i'll add more later)

[@jordanthornton]

Thank you - much has changed in three years, and it feels good to updated what's available publicly with shadow work. Happy to help.

[@shadowsisterhealing]

Thank you for this video. I have seen that old golden shadow video of you and what I liked about it was that you were smiling a lot in it and had very nice authentic energy going on. Magic is in the mess says Brene Brown and I have learned to appreciate my creative chaos even thou I do at times have a lot issues to be organised and this is clearly the golden shadow quality I look up in people.

[@jordanthornton]

Authenticity and happiness has many forms, for sure. I've learned that niceness can be a heavy mask itself. Feeling more like myself every year with letting my direct and assertive energy come through with less self-censorship. Less hesitance, and still plenty of heart behind the words. Thanks for being here for the journey.

[@shadowsisterhealing]

@@jordanthornton yes the moment i started to heal i was starting to say more firm no to people and stop people pleasing. Hardest no was to say it to my mom whose little helper I had always been. I still help her but not all my summer holiday gets to be helping my parents and I can also take time for myself and for my own things without feeling guilty. I do see now also more clear when people really need me.

[@dylanlawrenceholland3295]

you could do audiobook readings - your voice is perfect for it

[@jordanthornton]

Appreciate your words, and likewise enjoy teaching this material here - my own audiobook one day ✌🏻

[@dylanlawrenceholland3295]

@@jordanthornton would you be interested in ever writing something?

[@Aleksandria3]

I 😅 got the humor analogy upon the gender. The boy and girl younger adaption of looking up upon character figures 😂 is very true concept

[@jordanthornton]

Yes, I hesitate to generalise... but it's often true here!

[@Ayeshaaa_a8]

Noticed the compliments on your voice. And it reminded me how my lil sister tells me you are not an actual man but AI. Cause you're too good looking and have an amazing voice. Haha. She thinks it's unreal.

[@jordanthornton]

Damn, I've been discovered. Time to re-boot.

[@PuppyHeaven-k5k]

Valuable information🙏

[@jordanthornton]

Cheers! Hope you’re already stacking your shelves with some golden books - you picked up any new reads yet? 🌲

[@hazarthalistatus5870]

Voice is very beautiful

[@jordanthornton]

Cheers, hope you enjoyed the conversation.

[@abraxadabra4224]

Hi Jordan, I also admire a person who has a way with words. She doesn't have an erudite vocabulary but she is very eloquent, she manages to find exactly the right words effortlessly. I'm curious, do you know where this type of fascination originates from? Why do we feel the need to express ourselves in a clearer way? Also, do you offer any 1-to-1 sessions by any chance?

[@jordanthornton]

Thank you for sharing, and although I hesitate to give a full response to your particular pattern (because we don't know eachother) it's usually tied back into the anima / animus issue, which you can explore in books like Invisible Partners by John Sanford! In terms of 1-1 work, yes - I have a mentorship and you can see all that information in my latest video on the pinned comment. Send me a message on IG if you like what you see over there.

[@abraxadabra4224]

@@jordanthornton Thank you for taking the time to answer. I actually don't have IG but will look into setting it up temporarily. Thanks! 🤗

[@createa.googleaccount713]

B4 17:58 ❤it, Thank you!

[@jordanthornton]

Wishing you the absolute best!

[@callum7081]

Great video. What do you use to make your thumbnails by the way? I’m thinking of starting a KZbin channel on mindfulness and yours are professional quality.

[@jordanthornton]

Great idea - commit to at least 100 videos with 2 x per week and unbroken consistency and you're good to go! I manually edit my thumbnails on GIMP (photoshop clone). I use Canva pro to separate the image of me from the video I screenshotted it from (built an archive of about 200 expressions which I can choose form) and the images I use are sourced from both pintrest and sometime custom made with AI tools. Edited and blended again in GIMP. Hope this helps and good luck.

[@morganlake41632]

Love Robert Johnson - do you recommend it for a septuagenarian?

[@jordanthornton]

Of course, you'll find great value there. Enjoy!

[@amontana4895]

Thank you for this video Currently I feel inner resistance I feel like my unconscious is running my life even though conciously I want to change my habits my thoughts . My bad habits are ruining my life self sabotaging myself leading to depression. I think it comes down to fear and self worth . Any books do you recommend.

[@jordanthornton]

Yes, absolutely. Check out the first video in this shadow work series where I offer up six books which address different aspects of the integration process with the unconscious - should help tackle some of the root causes of self worth and fear. Hope they help, and merry christmas.

[@amontana4895]

@@jordanthornton thank you for your reply merry Christmas and I wish you the best for 2024 😊

[@Ribirs]

veeery very nice and very much true 🫶🏼

[@jordanthornton]

Cheers! Make sure to check out the full playlist in the description - we keep going!

[@ayumelove]

please sir can we have some more shadow work videos

[@jordanthornton]

How about fifteen within a month? Finishing the series this week - hope you've enjoyed!

[@lakshmisantosh1]

@jordanthornton , thank you for sharing the practice. To better understand shadow behaviors and entities: Is achieving mastery, novelty, and depth in a craft indicative of tyrant King behavior or entity, and what sets them apart?

[@jordanthornton]

I’m afraid I don’t understand your question - could you rephrase this for me? 🌲

[@lakshmisantosh1]

I received clarity while rephrasing it. thank you for taking the effort.

[@UncreatedWay]

Is there any relation between this work and Mysticism, which seems to hold a deity in this position?

[@jordanthornton]

Yes, for sure. Mysticism and transpersonal psychology both overlap with golden shadow psychology - keep going deep!

[@Lioness_of_Gaia]

Thank you. 💚

[@jordanthornton]

Truly my pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@Mimzmim-ng2bf]

Thank you 💗🌹❤️‍🩹

[@jordanthornton]

Truly welcome 🌲

[@GnoMiru]

i get what you are saying but the shadow is the soul thats not been embodied

[@jordanthornton]

Appreciate your perspective, and the soul aspect is an element, but there really is a lot of nuance here - maybe check out the other videos in the playlist if you're curious? Appreciate your perspective.

[@rshicks256]

+1

[@jordanthornton]

🏆🏆🏆

[@sevilaynursaraclar7771]

I thought what anima is for a man is the same as what animus is for a woman so when we spot this in our dreams or in active imagination we know it is that golden shadow and we can integrate it. So isn't it very similar to reality as well? The most intense projection that happens for women is within their potential romantic partners and vice-versa (but apparently not as you say in the video). Then is it different for men what anima corresponds to in their psyche? I am confused why men in reality project more onto their heroes but for example in their dream or active imagination state all the golden projection goes to the anima entity? Is that correct? Is it that 'healthy masculine energy' in men is supposed to project onto their 'heroes'. But there could be men who are acting out from their 'feminine' as a default meaning leaning more on the anxious side of the spectrum and women who are acting more on their masculine 'avoidant side'. Does this mean If men act more on their masculine energy they tend to project more onto their 'hero' Super confused questions Jungian Psychology and attachment theory mixed haha 😅🥲

[@jordanthornton]

Check out episodes 101/500 and 76/500 - they explore projection in way more detail and should provide some clarifying context. Far more than I could explain in a KZbin comment! 🌲