Inner Worlds

We all inhabit an inner world where we are on the most intimate terms with ourselves. In this world  we experience our inner discourse, coloured by our thoughts and ideas. Here our inner voices vie for our attention, one may be harshly critical of our actions, thoughts and ideas, or maybe there is a small, frightened voice that is prone to following what the critical voice may be telling it to do or feel.

Our critical self is developed usually during times of distress where we are highly susceptible as children to the views of our care givers and significant people or events in our lives. If we have felt threatened then we shape our view of our world based on these historic experiences, with the residue residing deep within us. An inner voice can be born to protect us after moments that frighten us, that cautions or reprimands us when there is a chance these experiences could be repeated. Like a recording on loop it plays out sometimes for our whole lives,  despite the potential threat having ceased long ago.

Pretending or ignoring these voices is like trying to deny our existence, we may feel that by acknowledging this inner world is shameful, that we may be judged by our thoughts or ideas as strange or unacceptable. Over many years of sitting with others in groups, when an inner experience is revealed I've always heard others sharing similar experiences, suddenly we feel less alone in our experience and more part of a larger experience of being human. When we can accept and value our experience of our inner world as being valid and a direct reflection of our response to our environment, we we bring ourselves more into the world. Sharing this experience creates a fertile foundation for building trust, and relationships that are real and honest.

I've found through direct dialogue with our inner critic we give a voice to part of ourselves that has been wanting to be heard. This dialogue seeks to understand what is the message is behind the harsh berating tone. More often than not this is the voice of part of ourselves that is hurt, that has taken on a parental role to protect us from harm and it has dominated our inner landscape. Giving it a space to be heard and validated will usually quieten this voice. When we can quieten down our dominant voices a deeper and wiser part of ourselves can rise and be heard. This is a deeper ancient presence, that imbues wisdom and insight. When we can access this part of ourselves we have a greater capacity to orientate ourselves in the world and declare what we need and respond authentically to those around us. We are less prone to be critical and harsh towards ourselves and those around us.

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