The Voice You Don't Have to Believe
Are you like me and think that there are more than one version of you floating around? I think it’s an overlooked aspect of awareness personally. All throughout the course of a day, different voices emerge depending on our mood. Let’s be clear, I am not referring to voices inside your head that may indicate that you need psychological help, nor do I mean we are haunted by ghosts and spirits. I just mean we have different sides of us that tend to come out depending on the situation.
For me, I have a fearful side, one that’s hopeful, and one that’s sometimes discouraged. I felt that way yesterday, as a matter of fact. Whichever one appears usually speaks with conviction and in that moment, they all feel like they are the truth. They are that convincing.
Where I find myself tripping up is that I often mistake the loudest voice as being the one “most right.” But we all know that’s not the whole truth. For example, let’s look at a bigger picture. When we have difficult conversations, sometimes they convince us that we aren’t enough. When we feel uncertain, sometimes that uncertainty voice convinces us that we’ve fallen behind. How about when we are setback? The things we whisper to ourselves or hear in our heads can be quite persuasive as it tells us that this is just who we are now and there is no changing. I give credit to the fact that those emotions stem from somewhere and may have some truth buried deep, but those emotions aren’t always the most reliable in characterizing our identity.
With mindfulness, a space is created between hearing those voices and actually believing in them. It doesn’t ask us to silence fear nor does it as us to deny disappointment. Rather, it provides teaching moments for us to notice and observe with immediately handing over all of our power to them. We do not have to succumb to their influence.
Awareness is a powerful tool. It reminds us every day that an emotion has a perspective, but we don’t have to let every perspective define us. We don’t have to ignore difficult feelings either. It’s actually just the opposite. It means we should consider listening carefully enough to recognize the difference between what you are experiencing and who you are becoming.
In the Kind Rebirths space, I never encourage replacing one story with another. Every story is valuable and has merit. But it’s about seeing clearly enough that permanent identities are not built by temporary emotions. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for ourselves isn’t to find a better feeling. Rather, let’s stop letting the emotions from our worst moments be our most trusted voice.
Stay Mindful…
Rebirth.
