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  • Jen Moilanen, MA, MBA
    • May 1

Laughing in the Face of Shadows: Humor’s Role in Shadow Work

An addict, a hedonist, and a saboteur walk into a bar. Who pays the bill?

Addict, saboteur, hedonist

Whoever wins at shadowboxing!


That’s not just a setup for a cheeky bar joke—it's a peek into the kind of humorous introspection you'll find in "Swords and Torches." In the eternal battle between ego and soul, humor isn't just the best defense; it's also a great way to sneak past your mental bouncers and practice shadow work.


This season on the Swords and Torches podcast and masterclass, join Jen Moilanen as she expertly mixes humor, curiosity, and courage to explore why, sometimes, the biggest conflicts are the ones happening inside us.


Why Humor Matters in Personal Growth

You might think serious personal development needs to be, well, serious. But laughter not only lightens the load but can help carry it. Psychological research consistently highlights the benefits of humor for mental health. It's a stress reliever, a mood enhancer, and a resilience builder.


Humor can create a safe space for exploring sensitive issues and disarm anxieties that typically surround personal or taboo subjects. By laughing at our fears and imperfections, we can confront them without the usual resistance or shame.


Humor as a Teaching Tool

Jen understands that humor is more than just a way to entertain—it’s an educational tool. In each episode of "Swords and Torches," she uses wit to break down complex psychological theories and make them relatable. This approach does not trivialize the topics; instead, it makes them more digestible and less intimidating, allowing listeners to approach serious subjects like ego conflicts and shadow behaviors with an open mind.


Shadow Work Augmented by Humor

Curiosity drives us to explore uncharted territories in our minds and souls, and courage allows us to face what we find there. Humor enhances these qualities by ensuring the journey isn’t just enlightening and enjoyable. By mixing humor with curiosity, Jen encourages her listeners to question why we act the way we do without fear of what they might uncover. This teaching method enables listeners to tackle personal issues with less apprehension and more openness to change.


Add a Little Sugar to Help the Self-Awareness Go Down

The healing power of laughter is no joke. It’s a bona fide science. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. A well-timed joke or a humorous perspective can be a small sanctuary for someone grappling with emotional pain.


In "Swords and Torches," humor is integral to how Jen teaches and guides her audience through the complex landscapes of ego and soul. By demystifying and destigmatizing psychological exploration and personal transformation, Jen’s use of humor educates and heals, proving that sometimes laughter is the best medicine.


Links

WEBSITE/SOCIAL


PODCAST


MASTERCLASS


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