Long before contemporary therapies such as Internal Family Systems or even Jung’s contributions to work on the shadow in the early 20th century, shadow work was often inherent in cultural and spiritual beliefs. Aboriginal traditions of the Yawuru people in Western Australia, for example, are known for teaching young children that shadow is an essential part of them. Walking with shadow is tied to broader cultural values of respecting others as well as the land. Other shamanic cultures practice the “soul retrieval” work of bringing back lost parts.
One might argue that denying shadow leaves key aspects of ourselves in the dark where they remain unaddressed. Without recognition and integration of the inherent shadow sides of being human, pain and suffering can arise, often expressed in the form of “addictions” or repeated patterns of behavior.
In my previous post, “The 4 Psychic Addictions That Span the World,” I describe the four psychological drivers of “addictive behavior” (these are not classified as addictions by the DSM-5) as according to Basque-American cultural anthropologist and educator Dr. Angeles Arrien (1940-2014). While addictions can be to a variety of substances and behaviors, according to Arrien, the four core addictions are: intensity, perfectionism, certainty (the need to know), and an excessive focus on what’s broken.
From her research on cultures across the globe, Arrien observed similar patterns that connect people in suffering and are associated with four primary archetypes. She also identified what she called an “unclaimed gift,” or what I would describe as an empowered way of relating to others that is found on the far side of the potential hook or compulsive pattern. Stated another way, when the shadow side of each addiction is integrated, or matured, there are powerful resources accessible within oneself to relate to the self, others, and the world in healthy new ways.
1. The Hidden Gifts of Intensity
People driven by intensity often fear boredom, or fear they are not fully living. Intensity may surface as constant busyness, over-scheduling, or hyper-productivity. It may also surface as martyrdom.
In the shadow of intensity is the need to be validated. Intensity can hide open-heartedness, meaning, and be a barrier to standing with true inner strength. When the quality of intensity is matured, true power of passion and open-hearted attunement can be expressed more authentically. Love, often expressed in right speech, is one of the human resources waiting to be claimed on the other side. These traits often accompany the Healer’s archetype, who often have great attention and courage to be shared with others when fully integrated.
2. The Hidden Gifts of Perfectionism
The hooks of perfectionism can be used to avoid feeling vulnerable and can prevent authentic connection with others. A vicious cycle can develop by trying harder to present perfectly to the world, which, in turn, increases the sense of disconnection.
The hidden gifts are excellence and the right use of power. Once the power of perfectionism is fully integrated and matured, it can become leadership grounded in the humble service. Most associated with the Warrior archetype, it uses the power of presence, position, and solid communication skills.
3. The Hidden Gifts of the Need to Know (Certainty)
The certainty hook can show up in a compulsive need to know and understand things. This drive may surface in personal beliefs expressed in dogmatic, righteous, or critical ways. There may be an honest core that desires deep understanding, but relationships can feel more strategized than connective.
Wisdom waits on the far side of the need to know. When the need to know is paired with letting go of outcome, trustworthiness develops, leading to right timing. Resources such as clarity, discernment, and objectivity can then be claimed. The Teacher archetype in its highest expression can tolerate conflicting ideas and embrace the paradoxes of life.
4. The Hidden Gifts of the Focus on What’s Broken
The obsessive focus on what isn’t working may hold a deep fear of conflict at its core and develop into codependency in relationships. When developed, the gifts on the other side of this brokenness fixation include a clear vision of seeing skills, talents, and resources in self and others. Tapping into the potential of these personal resources with vision, insight, perception, and intuition is the full expression of this gift. Right placement develops, often associated with the Visionary archetype, who tells the truth without blame or judgment.
Healthy acknowledgement and integration of all parts—learning to walk with our own shadows—may foster deep respect for ourselves, others, and the earth.
I will describe each of the four archetypes in more detail in Part 3.