An article by Colton Swabb, published on Medium, explores the concept of the “golden shadow” in psychology, which refers to suppressed and unused talents and positive aspects of personality that often remain unnoticed or hidden. In Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, shadow work is usually associated with confronting and integrating the darker, repressed aspects of our personality. However, the “golden shadow” refers to those parts of ourselves that have also been repressed from our consciousness but are positive. These can be hidden talents, unrealized abilities, or undiscovered strengths, which, if revealed and developed, could significantly enrich our lives.
When Science Meets Art: Why Photography Can Be the Key to Discovering Your Artistic Soul
How many of us have given up the path of an artist in favor of a “concrete profession”? This is understandable due to the uncertainty of the artistic path, although many people later struggle with uncertainty about whether they took the right path and feelings of guilt.
In the hearts of many engineers, scientists, and other “technocrats”, the souls of artists are hidden. They struggle daily with equations, data, and logical problems, and their creativity often remains unused, suppressed under the weight of scientific precision. Deep down, many of them dream of becoming photographers, designers, painters, or musicians. This dream of expressing oneself through art, of capturing the beauty of the world in a single frame, of painting emotions on canvas, or composing melodies that move hearts.
Photography
For those who want to discover their artistic side, photography can be the perfect start. Why? Because photography combines scientific precision with artistic expression. It does not require years of study or expensive equipment. A basic course, a camera, and the ability to use light are enough to create something magical. Photography allows for exploration and experimentation, learning through practice, and mistakes that become part of the creative process. If you want to paint or draw, or design interiors, photography can also be a great idea for you. Nothing teaches sensitivity to colors and perspectives like taking pictures. For all those who use more “hard” skills every day and long to show their artistic side, I recommend individual photography workshops.
Individual Photography Workshops offer a unique opportunity to develop these skills. I recommend this method of development due to:
- Adjustment to Individual Needs: Everyone has a different path and style. Individual workshops allow you to adjust the pace and content to personal preferences and skill level.
- Direct, Personal Care: The opportunity to work one-on-one with an experienced photographer is invaluable. A mentor can provide direct feedback, which accelerates learning and development.
- Focus on Practice: Workshops focus on the practical aspects of photography, which is key to skill development. Participants learn by doing, not just through theory.
- Exploration of Own Creativity: Individual workshops provide space for experimentation and discovering your own style, which is essential in artistic expression.
- Motivation and Inspiration: Direct contact with a mentor and the opportunity to share your work can significantly increase motivation and inspiration. For those who work in the world of science and technology every day, photography can be a bridge to the world of art. In addition, without the need to give up everything and abandon a secure source of income.
It’s a chance to express yourself, to discover hidden talents and passions. And when you discover that each frame reflects the inner world, each photo tells a story that has remained unspoken but also you can earn a living in this way – then it will be time to throw the steady job aside 🙂
But it is not an easy path; photography is not just a skill, it is a journey into oneself, a dialogue between science and art, between logic and emotion. It’s a chance to discover that an artist lies dormant in each of us, waiting to show the world their unique perspective.
What Next? The Choice Is Yours!
It’s always worth asking yourself questions:
- What Are Your Hidden Talents? Consider what positive aspects of your personality you may have suppressed or ignored.
- How Can You Integrate Your “Golden Shadow” into Everyday Life? Think about ways you can start using your hidden abilities and strengths.
- What Are the Consequences of Ignoring the “Golden Shadow”? Consider how not including these positive aspects of your personality can affect your personal and professional life. I wish you successful explorations and, of course, I warmly invite you to my workshop page – Training for Creatives
Additional Sources:
Colton Swabb The Golden Shadow: hiding your best from the world – hellolife
End Self-Comparison by Integrating Your Golden Shadow (Medium)
