“There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing that you are not the voice of the mind, you are the one who hears it.”
When I first read that statement, it seemed preposterous. What are we, if not our minds?
What I've learned (and what studies continue to prove) is that the voice of our mind is rather a myriad of influencers. It's the voice of our parents, the teacher we most feared, the adamant or stubborn child who still lives within, the rebellious teenager, a boss, a mentor or even society itself.
However, we identify with that voice as our own.
We criticize ourselves as others might, however taking that criticism often to the utmost extreme. We do so, feeding that perspective that the critical or belittling words are "in our best interest," "keeping us safe," "strong," or in some way protecting us.
All in the name of self-improvement.
The irony? We don't actually grow. We don't see drastic improvement or find genuine happiness inside those words and criticisms. And the kicker? Most of us would never treat another human in such a manner as we intuitively know those critical words not only belittle but also hinder growth.
Shall we keep ourselves small?
Next time that critical voice whispers, is it possible to question it?
With love,
Rachel