quieten the inner critic

A great privilege of our work involves seeing the transformations that mindful movement encourages.

So often what stands in our way, is just our very self.

Confidence and self-belief sway like a pendulum from high to low and so on. Lately, there's so much comparison presented to everyone via social media and publications, that imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs can be amplified.

The inner critic has no issue telling us we're not good enough and that everyone else is better/happier/more successful/healthier than us.

We used to believe this voice above all else but learnt to use meditation and movement to overcome these thoughts which are always based on past traumas and social conditioning.

However, lately we'd noticed our reluctance to speak up for ourselves, even when we knew we'd been treated poorly by others we'd trusted. There came this realisation that we'd fallen back into the trap of believing our inner critics.

When we hand power over to the inner voice of fear, doubt and sense of lack, we put pause to any emotional growth because we stop pursuing our dreams, hopes and desires.

When you focus on a thing (anything), you give it power. Energy flows where attention goes.

Fear will only ever hold us back. Ultimately, we all know that life's too short to waste any moment, but it is incredibly difficult to regain the sense of worth when you've given power to the inner critic.

There's a valuable process that takes about thirty minutes that has the power to change our perspective and so change lanes. This journalling ritual shifts one from negative, low frequency emotions, to heightened awareness and elevated intentions.

Sometimes we need a gentle nudge back onto the right path. This practice can be just that.

Quieten the inner critic:

Write down your two strongest negative self-doubts. For example, 'I'm not strong enough' 'I'll never be successful' 'I'm not attractive'. Go with the first ones that unravel.

Identify how each limiting belief has affected your past. This can be a painful process but be as honest and detailed as possible. They may have stopped you pursuing a dream, a lover, a plan or a project. You may have pushed people and prospects away because of your mindset of lack.

Write how these thoughts are affecting you now. Is your creativity stifled? Are you unable to stand up for yourself or express your truth? What's going on right now as a result of this inner voice? Consider your relationships, health, career and wellbeing.

Imagine your life 10 years from now. How will these thoughts impact your future if they continue? What will you have chosen to avoid? Who may you have lost as a result of holding back? Consider how your future looks and who/what/where is part of your life.

Repeat for your life 20 years from now. Observe how life will look if you still give weight to these thoughts. 'In 20 years, my belief that I will never be successful has meant...'

Now consider whether these thoughts are worth your time. Do they result in an abundant future?

Can you shift those two sentences to ones that are empowering and life affirming? 'I am strong and successful' 'I will make self-care a priority so I'm the best version of myself by...' 'I am abundant in health and beauty'

What practices can you begin today to encourage this positive mindset? It can be something simple like repeating affirmations, nature soaks, gratitude practices, journalling, writing your mantras.

Begin the positive rituals today, right now.

When you get lost in self-doubt, repeat the above process. It can be valuable to envision 10 and 20 years from the positive mindset too.

There are so many rituals that work, but we find this simple task transformative. It can be uncomfortable and upsetting to take responsibility for our actions and see how we stood in our own way. But the power lies in realising we are in control of how our destiny plays out.

We can't change the past. But we can consciously craft our future.

It's important we change a negative mindset of lack to one of positive abundance.

When we change, everything changes. So long as we speak our truth, act with kindness and integrity for self and others, then we contribute to a positive shift in the world around us.

There are always circumstances where the power gets taken from us. But how we choose to react is what matters. And so much relies on how we value ourselves.

We encourage you to put yourself first. To remember that you matter, that you are valuable, bright and brilliant.

Quieten the inner critic. Trust that you are here for a reason. And try to make the world a kinder, more present place.