Before I go too far into the topic, let me note that there may be more than one ‘voice’ that you are ‘hearing.’ Not audibly but nonetheless discernable.
You can think of one voice as self-talk, a second as your higher-self and if there are others you may be detecting other higher beings assigned to you and commonly referred to as spirit guides. While we might be embarrassed or worried about admitting it, most know that there is a steady stream of ‘chatter’ that cannot be ignored. I have written about the latter two in earlier blogs, this week’s is about self-talk.
To be honest, I am not certain if self-talk originates in our conscious or subconscious mind or is a chorus combining the two. But it hardly matters. What I am certain about is that our self-talk reflects the beliefs we hold including false beliefs whether formed in this or prior lives. And what does matter about self-talk is the impact it has on how we feel which in turn shapes how we act, what you do.
With all that as preface, the question I want you to consider is – how do you rate your self-talk?
Is it harsh, critical and judgmental? Is it full of fear or at ease with life’s knowns and unknowns, constantly clamoring about perceived dangers and threats? Is its tone condescending, authoritarian or even downright dictatorial?
Is your self-talk gentle and comforting? Is it accepting and understanding? Does it convey forgiveness?
Does your self-talk make you feel good or not so good? Is it contributing or taking away from your self-acceptance? Or does it cultivate doubt or outright rejection?
Is your self-talk enhancing your self-esteem or chipping away at it bit by bit?
How does it contribute to the expectations you have for yourself and others? Does it help you set boundaries or is it an impediment?
If it were possible, would you evict the self-talker from you mind and heart? Seriously, if you could wave a magic wand would the self-talker disappear instantly? If it is difficult to answer either of those questions, here is another route to the ease and peace that your self-talk may be depriving you of.
What grade would you assign to your self-talk using the A – F scale? If you give it an A, it is a keeper, B or C it needs an attitude adjustment, D you need to excavate the false beliefs that are negatively influencing it, and F it needs to go!
All kidding aside. Think about it. Your self-talk has rent free space in your mind and heart. So, if it is not enhancing and contributing to positive feelings about yourself then EVICT it! Do not allow it to weigh you down or ruin one more day. You deserve to have inner peace and to live in ease. You are the one that controls its future.
The Buddha said it more eloquently when he pointed out that all life includes suffering, the suffering that is unavoidable like loss, death, sickness. But he went on to point out that what we tell ourselves about uncontrollable outer life events is a secondary level of suffering. And secondary suffering is what we do have the power to change.
So, when it comes to self-talk, remember that it can be the source of secondary suffering. So do not let it rob you of what you desire and deserve – a life of ease and grace.
