Understanding the Shadow of the Self and the Not Self with Human Design
Human Design is a unique system that combines principles of astrology, the I Ching, the Kabbalah and the chakras to map out an individual’s energetic blueprint. One of the key elements of Human Design is the concept of the not-self – the unconscious motivations that drive us.
One of the reasons why we sometimes feel that something is missing in us.
We are designed to be attracted to the differences
Genetics are rooted in the fact that we are designed to be attracted to what is different. When you are looking at your design, you are looking at is differentiation imprinting out of the matrix of all the chemistry of life. It is your specific imprinting. It’s what makes you different and unique. Every open center, open channel, open gate is rooted in receptors within you, which will give you the coordinates for your not-self, for your shadow. These receptors not only are attracted to what’s on the other side, but it pulls the other side to it because it’s the nature of our geometry. And whatever it is open in you, that’s where your shadow is designed to be attractive.
However, is not a one way street. What we are attracted to we meet, and what we meet is attractive and interesting for us, and we take something from that meeting. In other words, the not-self, refers to the ways in which we try to be someone we’re not. Why? Because instead of using the open center as a bless opportunity to improve community, we feel it as something is wrong with us.
For example I don’t have a defined heart center, me and 65% of humanity.
Do you know the not-self strategy of the undefined Ego/ heart center?
It’s that the undefined Ego has something to prove.
So, the mind is making decisions based on, “I’m going to do this because I can prove myself”; “I need to do this, otherwise I don’t have value”; “I need to be in control”; “I need to be brave”. In the meantime, we are missing our whole life.
So, me and 65% of the population are not designed to be competitive or to have will power. We should avoid making promises because we lack the consistent energy to keep them. But if we are not aware of this, what will be our natural tendency specially when we are close to the ones that have a defined center? We will feel like something is lacking in us and we will try to compensate. Chasing what we think people want from us and believing that what others want is also what we want.
While the not-self is in control, we will have tendency to try to achieve more than anyone else because we feel the need to prove ourselves. We will overcompensate because we undervalue ourselves. We will “force” ourselves to have courage, which causes us to fail, because it is not right for us to force us to do anything. Other downside, is the lack of self-esteem, accepting less than we should – less love, less money – less everything. Because we assume we don’t deserve it
An undefined ego tends to get inflated when it receives, amplifies and distorts the egos of those around them. An undefined ego may test the willpower of others, but it has nothing to prove itself.
This toxic traits, will keep happening every time we take on expectations or beliefs that don’t align with our true self. Every time we try to conform to society’s expectations or what we think others want from us. Living in our not-self can lead to feelings of frustration, disease, bitterness, depression. In short, not good.
But there is a reason behind and a solution. The reason is hided behind your unique design, on the other hand, the solution on the beginning just requires for you to practice self-observation and self-awareness
In the context of Human Design, it is believed that we can only access our true potential by acknowledging and integrating our shadow and not-self aspects. By embracing these parts of ourselves, we can unlock our unique gifts and innate abilities.
If you’d like to learn more about Human Design and how it can help you embrace your true self and unlock your full potential, book a session with me today by clicking here! Together, we can explore your energetic blueprint and identify ways to integrate your shadow and not-self aspects. I’m excited to support you on your journey towards a more authentic and fulfilling life!
Shadow Work
On the other hand the shadow of the self refers to the aspects of ourselves that we deny or repress. These are the parts of our personality that we choose to hide from the world because we fear they may be rejected or judged. Shadow traits can include anger, jealousy, shame, guilt, pride, and more.
The shadow is the side of yourself that’s disconnected and unfelt. It’s the part of yourself that’s been rejected since childhood and you have no awareness of.
Shadow Work is integrating the entire spectrum of your being. It’s the intentional process of admitting the parts of yourself you’ve ignored and repressed.
When you consider words like “guilt,” or “denial,” what do they bring up for you? Is it some aspect of yourself you’d rather not think about? Do you feel fear or shame creeping in when you’re faced with a challenging situation? Do you try to hide from those feelings, thinking it’s better to ignore them altogether? Let me tell you, friend, that you’re missing out! Those feelings you’re trying to avoid may just be the key to unlock your greatest potential. Embracing your shadow side, the parts of yourself you try to hide, can be the hardest – but most liberating – work you’ve ever done. So go ahead and take that leap of faith. Unleash your inner potential by facing your fears and uncovering the parts of yourself you’ve been denying. Trust me, the journey is more than worth it!
For example, someone who has a tendency towards anger may try to suppress this aspect of themselves, viewing it as a negative trait that needs to be eliminated. However, in Human Design, this anger may actually be a source of power that can fuel their passions and drive, this anger carries a message, it could be part of the language of their Strategy. By acknowledging and accepting their anger, they can learn to channel it in positive ways and tap into their full potential. Similarly, someone who constantly tries to please others and be what they think others want, may be living in their not-self. By embracing their true desires and personality, they can begin to live a life that is more authentic and aligned with their inner self.
In conclusion, Human Design is a system that maps out an individual’s energetic blueprint. The concept of the not-self is the idea that unconscious motivations drive us and this makes us feel like something is missing in us. We are designed to be attracted to the differences which can make us try to be someone we’re not. In addition to not-self, we have our shadow which is the unconscious parts of ourselves that we choose to hide from the world for fear of being judged. Embracing these denied parts of ourselves can be difficult but liberating.
When acknowledging our shadow, we can unlock our potential. By embracing our true desires and personalities, we can start living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
You want to know something fun? The one thing you can’t outrun is yourself. Believe me, I’ve tried, and I’ve seen and met many trying. You can travel the whole world, you can change job, you can change partner, location, name, sex, BUT you’ll keep meeting yourself over and over again until you are committed to work on yourself.
So, are you ready to embrace your unique self and unlock your full potential?
Book a Human Design session with me today and start your journey towards a more authentic and fulfilling life!
neuza coach 
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