What is your inner self telling you about you?

The above image is a visual representation of a place that

I go to when my mind refuses to stop it's ''chattering''.

Apparently ''thought-chattering'' is something that afflicts the 

human species.

Ever gone to bed, turned out the light, pulled up the covers

and closed your eyes only to find your mind invaded by a

flurry of thoughts making sleep impossible?

Those in the know reckons that whenever we aren't busy 

doing things the thought-chatter starts up.

Well, supposedly it's always there, it's just that we don't really

notice it when we are engaged in some kind of activity.

Commonly, thought-chatter is often more of the ''negative'' rather than

the ''positive'' kind. 

We may find our thoughts rummaging through the past and picking

out things we regret doing or saying rather than those we are proud or

happy with.

Or we may find our mind pre-occupied with worrying thoughts 

about the future.

Some call this thought-chattering, ''self-talk''.

I first came across the term ''self-talk'' years ago and I have

to say that learning how to recognize my own self-talk has proved

very helpful. 

Basically, self-talk is our own internal dialogue. It is what

we tell ourselves about ourselves and the language we use to do so.

For instance: ''Don't be an idiot! Just go along with it.''

''Don't ask any questions. They will think you're stupid.''

''I'm too soft, I should be stronger.''

''I'll never be able to do that.''

or

''Just do it! You can do it!''

''Just have a go. Trying is worth it.''

''I can do anything when I put my mind to it.''

You know that voice inside of you that keeps commenting

on everything you do and say? that's the voice of your self-talk.

(There are other words for it: inner voice, gut instinct, wise mind,

inner guide, etc. etc.)

I have to admit that when I first read about ''self-talking'' I wasn't sure

of how to hear it, or should I say, notice it.

So, I decided to try and discover if I had an inner dialogue running

in my mind. 

This necessitated stillness and paying attention to my thoughts.

So I did.

What I discovered was that the self-talking never seemed to stop.

I also discovered that since it was my self speaking to me, I 

would be able to choose what the self was saying.

Basically, I decided to change the script of some of the self-talk

running in my mind because I'd found that thoughts pretty

much determines how I feel rather than the other way around.

Here are some examples of my new scripts:

It's okay to change one's mind. 

Failure does not exist, only less hoped for outcomes.

Being passionate and enthusiastic is an asset.

Being sensitive and compassionate is an asset.

Being willing to try something new is an asset.

Self reflection is helpful in gaining insight and wisdom.

Thinking about things one gains a deeper understanding.

It may seem simplistic, but, by changing our critical/negative inner

voice for a more supportive/positive one, how we feel about ourselves

and others, will change.

''Choose the words you say to yourself wisely;

they are creating your reality.''

(Sean Stephenson)

about the image: ink and acrylic on paper, edited in photoshop