Passion Struck with John R. Miles: Episode 634 Summary
Title: Keila Shaheen on How to Heal the Self Through Shadow Work
Host: John R. Miles
Guest: Kayla Shaheen
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Introduction to Shadow Work and Kayla Shaheen
In Episode 634 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles welcomes Kayla Shaheen, a 24-year-old best-selling author of the Shadow Work Journal and founder of the ZenfulNote app. Kayla is renowned for her pioneering work in emotional healing and spiritual integration, particularly within the digital generation. Her journey from personal crisis to creating a healing movement is both inspiring and transformative.
Personal Journey and the Birth of Shadow Work
Kayla shares her transformative journey, highlighting how a profound personal crisis during her college years led her to develop the Shadow Work Journal. She explains:
"A couple of years ago, I created the Shadow Work Journal out of a profound personal crisis. I was just graduating college during the midst of COVID and questioning who I was in the world..." [08:22]
Through consistent journaling, Kayla unearthed the concept of shadow work—acknowledging and integrating the suppressed parts of oneself. This practice not only helped her navigate her own confusion and pain but also laid the foundation for her to create a workbook that resonated with over a million people.
Understanding Shadow Work
Kayla delves into the essence of shadow work, influenced by Carl Jung’s theories. She defines shadow work as:
"The process of becoming aware of the parts of yourself that you hide or deny or repress for many different reasons." [15:08]
These hidden aspects shape our behaviors, relationships, and self-perception. By bringing these shadows to light, individuals can achieve a sense of wholeness and authenticity. Kayla emphasizes that shadow work is about observing oneself without judgment, fostering compassion and understanding.
The Power of Journaling in Shadow Work
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the role of journaling in facilitating shadow work. Kayla explains how journaling acts as a mirror, allowing individuals to witness and process their innermost thoughts and emotions:
"Journaling has been one of the most powerful ways that I've processed my own shadows and created clarity in my life." [28:26]
She distinguishes between different types of journaling, such as open-ended journaling, intentional healing journaling, and planner journaling, each serving unique purposes in the journey of self-discovery and healing.
ZenfulNote: Digital Mindfulness
Expanding her impact, Kayla discusses the creation of the ZenfulNote app—a digital tool designed to foster mindful technology usage. Contrasting the often distracting nature of traditional social media, ZenfulNote aims to:
"Help people pause and reflect and regulate and check in with their emotions inside the same device that often can overwhelm them." [35:31]
The app incorporates features like glimmer tracking and trigger tracking, enabling users to map their emotional landscapes and cultivate moments of joy amidst chaos.
Glimmers vs. Triggers
Kayla introduces the concept of "glimmers" as positive moments that soothe and ground individuals, balancing out the "triggers" that cause emotional upheaval:
"Glimmers are very simple moments in our lives that calm and ground us and bring us back to the present moment." [40:04]
By tracking both glimmers and triggers, users can better understand their emotional responses and foster resilience.
Overcoming Self-Judgment and Embracing Compassion
A key theme in the episode is the transition from self-judgment to compassionate observation. Kayla advises:
"Learning how to go from judgment and shame to observation and grace." [42:22]
She suggests techniques like identifying shadow characters and engaging in compassionate dialogue with one's inner critic, facilitating deeper self-acceptance and healing.
Influences and Inspirations
Kayla cites influential works that shaped her approach to shadow work, including Joseph Campbell’s The Power of Myth and Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. These works emphasize the importance of storytelling and creative expression in personal transformation.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Whole Self
In closing, Kayla imparts a powerful message about self-acceptance and authenticity:
"Shadow work isn't about fixing yourself, it's about finally seeing yourself fully." [45:10]
She encourages listeners to reclaim every aspect of their being with compassion, leading to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Connecting with Kayla Shaheen
Listeners interested in exploring Kayla's work further can visit her website at kaylashaheen.com or follow her on Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, her Substack offers in-depth discussions on shadow work alongside Dr. Connie Zweig. The ZenfulNote app is available for download on the App Store, providing a digital space for reflection and emotional regulation.
Conclusion
Episode 634 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles offers a deep dive into the transformative practice of shadow work through the insightful conversation with Kayla Shaheen. By embracing and integrating our hidden selves, we unlock profound personal growth and live more authentically. Whether you're new to shadow work or seeking to deepen your practice, Kayla's guidance provides a comprehensive roadmap for healing and self-discovery.
Key Takeaways:
- Shadow Work Defined: A process of uncovering and integrating the suppressed aspects of oneself to achieve wholeness and authenticity.
- Role of Journaling: An essential tool in shadow work, enabling self-observation and compassionate self-dialogue.
- Digital Mindfulness with ZenfulNote: Utilizing technology to foster self-reflection rather than distraction, promoting emotional regulation.
- Glimmers vs. Triggers: Understanding and tracking positive moments (glimmers) alongside stressful ones (triggers) to balance emotional landscapes.
- Compassion Over Judgment: Transitioning from self-criticism to compassionate observation to facilitate healing and growth.
- Influential Works: Inspirations like The Power of Myth and The Artist’s Way underscore the importance of storytelling and creativity in personal transformation.
If today's episode resonated with you, consider supporting Passion Struck by leaving a five-star review or sharing it with someone on their healing journey. For more resources and to continue the conversation, visit passionstruck.com and explore this month's Power to Change series at theignitedlife.net.