Do your monsters sometimes stage a take-over, hurting you and others? If your monsters could help you live more of the life you want to live, would you get to know them, and invite them in? What about sharing them with a trusted partner in a thoughtful, conscious process?

Ken did, and it made him cry, right here in the podcast - tears of relief for the possibility of realizing potential. We're talking about letting in our darker parts, and how much our lives can expand when we do.

In this episode, we talk about:

— What shadow work actually is and why Carl Jung's metaphor is so powerful yet simple

— How our "monsters" operate autonomously when we don't acknowledge them

— The relief that comes from finally recognizing and taking responsibility for our shadow aspects

— Why personifying our shadow material can make it easier to work with

— How kink and shadow work can intertwine as psychological practices

— The difference between engaging with the "regalia" of kink versus the psychological depth

— Why creating psychological safety is essential before doing shadow work with a partner

— How projection reveals our shadow material in relationships

— The importance of accepting enjoyment of shadow aspects without endorsing harmful behaviors

— Why shadow work is a lifelong spiral rather than a circle we keep traveling

— Ways to engage with your shadow independently if your partner isn't interested in this work

Resources mentioned in this episode:

— Joli's ⁠Sexual Shadow Masterclass⁠

— ⁠The Avett Brothers - The Perfect Space⁠

— Suzanne Vega - Don't Uncork What You Can't Contain

JOIN The Year Of Opening® community for a full year of learning & support. Registration is open now at ⁠⁠www.TheYearOfOpening.com⁠⁠

Learn the 5 secrets to open your relationship the smart way

Are you ready to open your relationship happily? Find out at www.JoliQuiz.com

Get the answers you want to create the open relationship of your dreams! Sign up for an Ask Me Anything here

Music: Dance of Felt by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions