Meeting the Shadow: The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature

by Connie Zweig

Unfortunately repression does not eliminate the qualities or drives or keep them from functioning. It merely removes them from ego awareness; they continue as complexes. By being removed from view they are also removed from supervision and can thereby continue their existence unchecked and in a disruptive way. The shadow, then, consists of complexes, of personal qualities resting on drives and behavior patterns which are a definite “dark” part of the personality structure. In most instances they are readily observable by others. Only we ourselves cannot see them. The shadow qualities are usually in glaring contrast to the ego’s ideals and wishful efforts. The sensitive altruist may have a brutal egotist somewhere in himself; the shadow of the courageous fighter may be a whining coward; the everloving sweetheart may harbor a bitter shrew.