We constantly talk to ourselves about everything and everybody. Fortunately, at this stage in life, unlike little children, most of us have learned that a lot of our inner chatter (self-talk aka that little voice inside our heads) is best kept to ourselves. I think of self-talk or these two opposing voices in our mind as the wolf and the protector.
(Scientists report that the brain works on three levels to create awareness: The conscious mind governs awareness of the present and helps in determining right and wrong. It communicates with the outside world and the inner self. The subconscious mind accounts for 50% of the brain’s capabilities and deals with memory. It is in continuous contact with the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is where our beliefs are stored. It drives behavior through individual thoughts and feelings, instinctual desires, and things we can’t easily access. Source:Self-Talk & Your Unconscious Mind | ninakhoo.com)
(Scientists report that the brain works on three levels to create awareness: The conscious mind governs awareness of the present and helps in determining right and wrong. It communicates with the outside world and the inner self. The subconscious mind accounts for 50% of the brain’s capabilities and deals with memory. It is in continuous contact with the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is where our beliefs are stored. It drives behavior through individual thoughts and feelings, instinctual desires, and things we can’t easily access. Source:Self-Talk & Your Unconscious Mind | ninakhoo.com)
Lakota Indians refer to wolves as intelligent ‘divine dogs’ and symbols of guardianship and loyalty that are worshiped as spirits of nature. Well, being urbanized, my worldview of these animals is different. It tells me that these are dangerous predators always ready to attack. Translated for me — the wolf represents negative self-talk or manifestations of fear, doubt, and the lingering impact of past traumas. These negative inner voices ooze seeds of jealousy, insecurity, impatience, and greed while seeking to exploit the weakness of others. Recognize negative thoughts for what they are — manifestations of fear, labels that others give us and the lingering impact of traumatic experiences from the past.
Conversely, the voice of my protector is positive self-talk. It’s the internal monologue that tames my inner critic, champions my hopes and dreams, softens the blow of failure and disappointment. Its forgiving selflessness reminds me of my strengths and talents when necessary, and, if given sufficient attention, neutralizes the negative voice of the wolf.
Our inner dialogue shapes our beliefs and designs our reality. So, the obvious question is, are you controlling your self-talk or is the wolf controlling you. Create your mantra — a statement of positive reinforcement — that you silently repeat over and over until it is stamped on your soul to help you control the carnivore that roams your mind.
Remember, I’m on this journey with you.
Conversely, the voice of my protector is positive self-talk. It’s the internal monologue that tames my inner critic, champions my hopes and dreams, softens the blow of failure and disappointment. Its forgiving selflessness reminds me of my strengths and talents when necessary, and, if given sufficient attention, neutralizes the negative voice of the wolf.
Our inner dialogue shapes our beliefs and designs our reality. So, the obvious question is, are you controlling your self-talk or is the wolf controlling you. Create your mantra — a statement of positive reinforcement — that you silently repeat over and over until it is stamped on your soul to help you control the carnivore that roams your mind.
Remember, I’m on this journey with you.