INTERNAL CHATTER

Monitor your internal conversation with yourself. It is a running commentary ion everything you are thinking and experiencing. You criticize and pass judgment on many things you see. You doubt or second-guess yourself and give yourself soothing excuses to not be at your best.

Your internal chatter is a back-and-forth exchange, as if you are two people conversing. However, you are one individual, not two, so only one of the two internal speakers is your true self. The other one is the illusory ego.

The ego is the source of the harsh criticism and judgment. From its perspective, nothing is good enough, and no one is good enough. It is also the source of doubt and uncertainty about everything you do. It is what undermines you and holds you back.

This is why a meditative practice can be so beneficial. When you quiet your mind for meditation, you silence the internal chatter. For at least a while, you shut the ego down and bypass its illusions. Then, with the noise subsiding, you will be able to connect with your true self.

The Tao Today

Another effective way to manage the internal chatter is to control its content. Rather than criticize and judge others, appreciate and bless them. Rather than doubt and undermine yourself, empower and encourage yourself. There is no need to let the ego direct the conversation. Your true self can do a better job.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin