Creativity is sometimes thought of as a mysterious force from the collective unconscious that arrives in bursts of inspiration. Yet, for many of us, creative work feels like a battle against self-doubt, procrastination, and inner resistance. Mindfulness and Jungian Coaching can offer a practical and profound approach to navigating creative blocks by working with the shadow—a hidden part of ourselves that holds the key to unlocking creative flow.
Understanding the Shadow in Creativity
The shadow is the version of ourselves we often reject or feel ashamed of. This shadow self is not a flaw to be eliminated but a vital part of our wholeness. In creative work, the shadow often manifests as self-criticism, fear of failure, or comparison to others. Many people try to push these feelings away, but it's worth trying to embrace the shadow instead because of lot of potential and energy is found there.
Whether it's creating art or manifesting some project or dream you've had for a long time, working with the shadow is key to deepening your ability to be creative, spontaneous and intuitive and to lead innovatively and with fresh original ideas. For myself personally I have struggled with my art not being good enough and have a strong critical mind when it comes to my art. The days when I can just let that go and do it for the hell of it and allow all parts of me to show up in the process, then I make the art others love and connect with.
How the Shadow Blocks Creative Flow
Creative blocks arise when we resist the discomfort of the shadow. When we avoid self-doubt or perfectionism, we give them more power. Facing these uncomfortable aspects directly, rather than suppressing them, allows us to integrate their energy into our work.
Common ways the shadow disrupts creative flow include:
Self-Criticism: That internal voice that tells you your work isn’t good enough.
Perfectionism: The fear that unless it’s perfect, it’s not worth doing.
Procrastination: Avoiding creative work due to fear of failure or judgment.
Comparison: Measuring your work against others and feeling inadequate.
Mindfulness and Leadership Coaching to Resolve Creative Blocks
There's practices and tools to help people move through inner resistance. When applied to creativity, these tools can help shift from stuckness to flow. But here's the thing, you don't have to be creative only when you make art. Creativity can be applied to all aspects of life and work, in fact creativity is needed more than every sphere from leadership to parenting.
Here are a few key techniques from the book The Tools by Phil Stutz:
1. Active Love – Transforming Self-Doubt
Instead of resisting or hating your shadow, actively embrace it with love. Imagine sending appreciation to the part of you that feels insecure or afraid. By doing this, you create an internal shift from avoidance to acceptance, allowing creative energy to move freely.
2. The Reversal of Desire – Moving Towards Discomfort
Rather than avoiding fear or resistance, lean into it. If writing, painting, or making music feels hard, acknowledge that discomfort and step into it rather than away from it. The act of moving through resistance generates creative flow.
3. The Shadow Work Exercise – Integrating the Rejected Self
Stutz encouraged direct engagement with the shadow by visualising it and having an inner dialogue. Ask: What does my shadow need? What does it have to teach me about my creative fears? By making peace with the shadow, we free ourselves from its unconscious grip.
4. The String of Pearls – Progress Over Perfection
Each creative act is a “pearl” on the string, and the goal is not perfection but continuity. Instead of fixating on making one perfect piece, focus on showing up consistently. The creative process itself is more important than any single outcome.
Embracing the Shadow to Find Creative Freedom
By recognising that our creative struggles come from an unintegrated shadow, we stop seeing resistance as a sign of failure. Instead, it becomes an opportunity for growth. Embracing discomfort, working with rather than against the shadow, and focusing on steady action can lead to greater creative flow.
The next time you feel blocked, instead of fighting it, ask: What is my shadow trying to show me? Creativity is not about perfection—it’s about engagement. And the more we embrace our whole selves, the more freely creativity can flow. Join our Creative Women's Circle this Saturday evening in Glen Iris to find out more about how to unlock your creative flow.
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