Peace in Quieting The Voices In My Head

I have read plenty of books that discuss the concept of “the voice in your head.” It speaks to the idea that we narrate our lives….and then subsequently torture ourselves, convinced that the voice is truthful.

“Oh, look at that vase!”

“Oh, I hate that song!”

“Oh, this sweater is just lovely!”

“Why is she wearing that?”

We notice things and say them quietly to ourselves. This is human nature. But, there is another, less kind, judgemental, sometimes self-deprecating voice I hear from time to time. That voice used to BOOM in my head, day in and day out, without fail. It wasn’t a great way to live.

Every now and again, the voice returns. I hear myself saying things like, “You’re not a good enough mom,” or “You could really stand to be a better wife,” or “Get off your butt! Go do that puzzle with the kids for the 3rd time!”

Then I seek peace.

I find peace in the daily recognition that “the voice” is not real. It’s a pile of thoughts. Some of them are true, others are not.

I think Michael Singer put it best in his book, The Untethered Soul. He writes,

“In fact, your thoughts have far less impact on this world than you would like to think. If you’re willing to be objective and watch all your thoughts, you will see that the vast majority of them have no relevance. They have no effect on anything or anybody, except you. They are simply making you feel better or worse about what it going on now, what has gone on in the past, or what might go on in the future. If you spend your time hoping that it doesn’t rain tomorrow, you are wasting your time. Your thoughts don’t change the rain. You will some day come to see that there is no use for that incessant internal chatter, and there is no reason to constantly attempt to figure everything out. Eventually you will see that the real cause of problems is not life itself. It’s the commotion the mind makes about life that really causes problems (p 10).”

There is so much WOW in this passage.

This time of year, I need to work a little harder to quiet the chatter in my mind. That voice shouting at me to “DO MORE” and “GET IT RIGHT” needs a major chill pill.

We all want an awesome holiday. But you know what, it’s going to be awesome, no matter what. That is what Christmas is all about. It’s not about creating something perfect. It’s about marveling at all that we already are.

This week, I found peace in quieting my mind.

What brought you peace? Share the peace!