Our Inner Voices

It's a strange but central phenomenon that we sometimes talk silently to ourselves in voices that are internalized versions of voices we once heard around us. Voices from our parents,  friends, colleagues, and so on. We make comments on our own conduct, "you fool" "you're not good enough" or we reassure and treat ourselves well. As we do this we take on an accent that once came from someone outside of us. These words might have come from an angry parent or teacher. Now we are recycling the menacing threats of put-downs or anger. THESE POWERFUL  PAST FIGURES LIVE ON IN OUR HEADS.  


Let's audit some of our inner voices. Pen, Paper, and  Privacy Please. 

  • Whose are the constructive, kindly voices in your head?  

  • Imagine that a negative inner voice could be replaced by a wiser, more generous, and more intelligent one. What would it sound like?  

  • Whose are punitive, scolding, or mocking voices?


Today’s Challenge

Share a thought, belief or opinion that you are nervous to share with a  trusted person. 

How often do you withhold your thoughts, beliefs and opinions for fear of  being judged or rejected? How does it limit your potential for connection  when you withhold what you really think and feel? How old is this behavior Shadow Journaling pattern?  Would you feel more comfortable voicing your thoughts and  beliefs if you considered that this could lead you to people who appreciate  what you have to say? 

How did this challenge go? What did you notice about these historical inner voices?

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Emotional Identity

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Projection