Self-discovery is like an onion. As the layers of old conditioning fall away, the truth of who we are continues to reveal itself in the most miraculous and often unexpected ways.
Last week I experienced another layer of conditioning as it fell away. It’s so intriguing to witness a shift in perception that appears to come out of the blue, when I least expect it or I’m not trying to find it. I call this grace.
I was working with my mentor recently when something unexpected and beautiful occurred. As I was talking, she reflected something back to me I had said. We explored where this certain belief might be coming from. It was the Inner Critic. It showed up, and I didn’t even see it because it was such old conditioning.
This is one of the gifts of having a coach. They can spot something we don’t always see ourselves.
That “aha” moment felt like freedom. Seeing the sneaky and harsh Inner Critic at play and being able to observe it and say, “I’m onto you. Take a hike.” It opened the door and welcomed clarity and strength into the room.
I didn’t make this happen. I didn’t make this layer fall away.
As we continue to focus our awareness inward, layers of the onion (beliefs, stories, stored emotion) begin to fall away. Not because we are forcing or judging them – but because we are observing them and choosing to place our awareness on the truth.
What you focus on grows.
The layers fall away on their own when the time is right, as a result of our commitment to shine our awareness inward with curiousity and compassion.
I find it fascinating and exciting when greater awareness allows me to see the Inner Critic for what it is.
Sometimes on the journey we can get caught up in the need to fix ourselves. This is a trap. There is nothing to fix.
When we are constantly consumed with the need to fix ourselves this is also the ego running the show. Telling us we need to change this or that in order to feel enough or to feel fulfilled.
Mindfulness means we are exploring who we are in a curious way.
When a belief has been with us for so long it’s kind of like elevator music; in the background but we aren’t always aware that it’s there or pay any attention to it. We may react to it unknowingly or if we do spot it, we might judge ourselves for thinking that thought repeatedly (which again is the ego) and ultimately, find ourselves stuck.
The beauty of mindfulness is that by doing the work, we realize there is nothing to fix. We realize the only thing missing is the connection to who we really are.
The journey of self-discovery is not about acquiring anything new - it is one of shining the light on the unconscious and rediscovering the beauty of who we are.
This is living life from the inside-out rather than the outside-in.
Something to explore this week...
Set the intention to pay attention - to the thoughts, beliefs and stories playing in your head.
Be curious, kind, and inquisitive. Letting go of judgment.
When you think that story notice...How it makes you feel?
Where did you develop this belief – your parents, school, society?
Who would you be without this story?
Remember, at our core we are whole, we are enough, and we have everything we need to experience peace and be fulfilled. Our true self lies within, waiting to experience more of itself.
This is the greatest gift of all.
If you are ready to explore more please join me on February 17th for Discover Your Authentic Self as we shine a light on the Inner Critic and open the door to clarity, strength and freedom. Register Here.
With loving kindness,
Diane