Quieting the Inner Critic

What do you say to yourself every day?  Is it a negative inner dialogue?  What you tell yourself becomes a “soundtrack” in your mind and influences how you view relationships and achievements.  If this soundtrack is negative, it can lead to depression and anxiety.  Thoughts such as “I am a bad person” or “I am not deserving of love” are very painful.  The first step to quieting the inner critic is self-acceptance and self-compassion. The practices of meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises connect the mind and body and lead to self-compassion. Research has found higher levels of self-esteem are linked to higher levels of relationship satisfaction, job satisfaction, salary and physical health. The counselors at The Refuge Center can help you replace these negative thoughts and begin a journey of self-compassion.  Give us a call today!  615-591-5262 or visit us at refugecenter.org.

Source:  Meyers, L. (2014).  Quieting the inner critic.  Counseling Today, 56(8), 37-43.