Anima Animus

Something which I have seen that limits a lot of people in their journey of

healing is that they have a hard time letting go of the idea of ‘self’ which was

constructed due to conformity.

If there is a male, they would rather adhere to the idea that they are not

supposed to share emotions. If they’re a female, they tend to repress their

aggressive and athletic side.

However, if you look at it from a different angle, we can see that as humans,

we have both, male and female qualities in one body. According to Carl

Jung, this is what is known as the integration of Anima and Animus.

Anima is the unconscious possession of female attributes by a male, such as

being nurturing and matronly. On the other hand, Animus is the possession

of unconscious male attributes by a female such as being aggressive and

more logical.

These parts of ourselves are often suppressed into our shadow self. So that

if a man shares their emotions, they often feel guilt and shame, even if they

experience great release afterwards. When we unlock this knowledge, and

integrate the anima/animus within us, potential of exponential growth takes

place because at this point the idea of ‘self’ has dissolved. And when the

idea of self dissolves we can move in any direction and feel limitless.

When you integrate these two halves you become friends with those hidden

qualities and use them to your advantage. You are not overwhelmed by your

shadow, rather it is now backing you up.

Yashika