How do you talk to yourself?
Do you ever criticise yourself? Do you complain to yourself about yourself? I am overweight, unfit, not tall enough… or about your finances or your personality? Thoughts like this are primarily arising from our ‘ego’ and they affect our personal growth
Thoughts that are judgmental, critical and unhappy are all ego-based thoughts. Also, thoughts that have an element of right now I am not good enough but in three months time when I have lost a stone, for example, I will be, are based on ego- they are ego-traps.
How do these types of thoughts leave you feeling? Low and frustrated? The premise behind this way of talking to ourselves is that if we make ourselves feel really bad about ourselves this will eventually motivate us to change our behaviour. What is the result? Does it bring about real change? Does it work?
Bringing about real change
Real growth comes out of as a change in perspective and attitude. This happens naturally, for example, when we begin to think about ourselves from the perspective of our higher self or from the part of us that is full of positivity and is always loving and kind. The higher-self seeks not to punish ‘us’ into being a better people- it seeks to uplift us.
Consider: to your soul how does your body look? Perfect? A masterpiece of creation? Compare this to ego-based thinking. Which type of thinking is more likely to bring lasting change in you? My body looks terrible or my body is a masterpiece?
Living on purpose versus short-term goal setting
Each of us is like a seed and it takes time to grow into our full potential. Setting goals along the way is a great way of strengthening our willpower- as long as we aren’t saying ‘when I have achieved this I will be a better person.’
E. Tolle talks of us having two purposes: an internal one (to wake up) and an external one (to give). When we do not feel that we have that get up and go it is an indication that we are not aligned with our purpose / that which suits our soul. Sometimes we latch onto other’s enthusiasm, you will know when you have as after some time it will stop working for you.
We need to find our own sense of purpose and then grow into it. Take a tree, its first purpose is to grow into a big and beautiful tree. Once grown it then naturally serves- constantly and in so many ways.
Consider, you wake up feeling low and so go to work resolved to do as little as possible. How do you feel at the end of the day? Alternatively, you wake up enthusiastic about the day ahead and set out to do your best and you go the extra mile. How do you feel at the end of the day? Great? This is because you were in tune with your nature. Our natural nature is to give. How we serve will be unique to us. It may be through our qualities rather than through doing. Have you noticed how just being around certain people just makes you feel better about yourself?
