How can we cultivate peace within ourselves? Our modern culture is composed of all sorts of things that contribute to us becoming les and less peaceful. We live more and more in isolation from other people and from the natural world so we have little time in community with the world around us and this fosters in us fear of the unkown.
Our attention is spread thin between the competing demands of family, relationships, work, finances and media. We take very little time to de-stress or to even look for ways to dealing with stress that work for us.
We are often overloaded with toxins from the media, food, air and water which disrupt our hormones and our ability to think clearly and act intentionally and it feels too hard to even know where to start detoxing.
So many things stand in the way of our own peace but I think the most important factor is our relationship with ourself. As humans, we constantly berate ourselves in the mistaken hope that by yelling and being mean to ourselves it will inspire us to somehow change who we are and what we do.
Is your internal dialogue one of war or peace? How hard are you on yourself? Where is the mercy you would show a friend or a stranger when they make a mistake and why can't you offer it to yourself?
The first step in creating a more peaceful inner world is to change the way you speak to yourself.
Try this mirror work exercise. Over the course of a day, every time you are self-critical, write the thought down.
You're such a fool, how could you have believed them.
Don't eat anymore cake, you're so fat.
You have no self control.
You are an idiot, why did you say that!
You've never been good with money etc etc. Maybe much more mean than that too and that's ok.
Now rewrite the list as the exact opposite.
I am wise and I clearly see people for who they are.
I am beautiful right now and I'm good at listening to exactly what my body needs.
I am great at moderation and I enjoy a treat guilt free.
I'm getting better and better at speaking my truth.
I'm getting better and better at managing my money.
Now stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eye and read through your new list. It won't be easy and you may not believe yourself just yet. Many emotions may surface. Go gently until it gets easier. Do this over and over until these new ways of thinking become second nature.
When we practie restorative poses in class your may begin to witness your internal dialogue more as you quiet your body, mind and breath. This is a good place to begin to notice your patterns of thinking and just how negative and harmful they can be.
Comments