I strive to use mindfulness in all facets of my living and being. For me, the most beautiful and valuable gift that mindfulness offers when practiced, is this permission to receive, and to let go, again and again, particularly of my self criticism. This helps me stay connected to the good, rather than the critical parts of myself, helping me to experience my wholeness, and the wholeness of human nature, of which I am apart. This breeds contentment within, allowing me to be more authentic with self and others. Many of us are conditioned to acquire, or be in constant pursuit of things, feelings or status, but often feel less equipped in honoring and navigating loss in our lives. Mindfulness creates a larger space for joy, making it easier to find in times of struggle.
As a therapist, it is clear to me that if hating ourselves into better people was something that worked, it would have happened already. Teaching parenting for 20 years, I emphasize that our children, just like ourselves, need encouragement, not discouragement to make behavioral changes. I ask participants to recall a time they were physically, or emotionally hit, punched, slapped, kicked, shoved etc...and share with the group what it triggered within them. Most responses include: "I was so pissed off." "I hated him/her." "I wanted to get back at them." "I should have known better." "I hate myself." Never is the response, "Thanks for pointing that out. I am so sorry, you were right, I feel so much better. I will never do that again." Yes, even self-inflicted emotional abuse triggers fear and humiliation, it doesn't offer us tools, and keeps us stuck in surviving instead of thriving!
Remember, neuroscience tells us we all have a "negativity bias" in our brain to keep us safe from both physical and psychological threats. However, if we live our life with this bias stuck in the on position as an effort to keep ourselves "safe," it can have adverse effects on our quality of life. Neuroscience has proven that "what fires together wires together." (Donald Hubb, 1949). Positive (or negative) thoughts create positive (or negative) feelings. In essence, repeated positive (or negative), create neural pathways that become worn and wide with repeated and frequent use. This is when we have trouble seeing the positive neural pathway because weeds have grown over it. To uncover these paths we have to mow them down by firing up the positive neurochemicals in our brain through the use of mindfulness on a daily basis.
TIPS to Create Healthier Neural Pathways:
I would recommend, at a minimum, two weeks, every other day, of at least 3-5 minutes of focusing only on your breathing while in a comfortable position. Yep, that's it. Just noticing your breath come in and out. If you choose to go longer, thats great! If your mind wanders, that's ok, keep bringing it back to your breath. You can even say, or think the words "in" and "out," or "inhale" and "exhale" to anchor you to your breath. This will begin the reconnection with yourself and your senses.
If you do not experience slightly less self criticism after these two weeks, pair gratitude with your breathing. Inhale (through your nose) as you say or think "I am grateful for____," and exhale (through your mouth) worry. Do this for two weeks, every other day, for a minimum of 3-5 minutes.
If your inner critic is still chatty, identify one of your strengths or current efforts. Inhale (through your nose) as you say or think, "I am a good friend, spouse, sibling, daughter, son, team mate." "I am a good parent." "I am a good provider for my family." "I am kind to people." "I earn good grades." "I'm a good listener." "I am learning to listen to all of me." "I am choosing to learn and be curious." "I am doing the best I can." Inhale, "I am______ and exhale any self doubt. Do this for two weeks, every other day, for a minimum of 3-5 minutes.
Ok, hopefully you have silenced some members of the shitty committee, but if there is one very active member saying things like: "I am wasting my life away." I'm such a screw up." "I will always be alone, no one would want to be with me." "I am not smart enough." "I am so stupid." "I am ugly." "I could never get that job." "I'm a terrible parent." "Everything is my fault." "I am a failure." Try this. Pick the one insult that comes up most often. Inhale, "How are these words serving me or my life goals?" and exhale impatience. Repeat daily for a minimum of 3-5 minutes for two weeks and try to be patient for the answer.
Extending your time to a minimum of 15 minutes a day would be a healthy long term self care goal. Remember, there is no way to fail at this activity, as long as you return your attention to your breath over and over. The more consistent you are with your breathing and kindness practices, the easier it will be to let go of your critical voice, again and again. You have the ability and creativity to rebuild positivity and confidence within you, again and again.
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