Can You Hear That...? The Critical Voice In My Head.

There appears to be a voice in our heads which, if we pay close attention to it, is virtually constant from the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep. But if you stop and observe the nature of this voice, whose voice is it? Where is it coming from? Why does it have so much to say? And why can't I seem to stop it?

This voice seems to be located somewhere in between the ears and at the back of the eyes. Occasionally we are aware of the talking in our heads, but most of the time the chatter is nattering away all by itself, as if we are programmed in some way. Programmed, plugged in and turned all the way on - in, on, and running on a default setting, or auto pilot.

The voice seems to be a collection or series of thoughts, also referred to as thought forms (or formations). One thought follows the next in a succession of seemingly relative thoughts that tell a story, and what sounds like the narrative of a play. These thought formations appear to be narrating our life experience, and we are the central character. We are centre stage, chief protagonist, and everything in the plot of my life appears to be happening to me.

The inner narration has a mostly critical nature to it, characterised by judgement, shame, blame, and endless analysis. And "I"/me/mine" appears at the centre of it.

The voice often misappropriates events of the past and past experiences and uses them as a blueprint of what is going to happen next, projecting possibilities and likelihoods into the future. Our thoughts forebode negative consequences to often reasonably neutral circumstances and coincidences, where we dramatise, like the protagonist at the centre stage, creating spiralling, looping and looming impending doom over what will happen next... Reality is rarely as threatening as the dramatic images and soap-worthy stories we create in our heads.

The voice, or thoughts in the head also get referred to as mind, my mind, and where life is often oriented from and around. And we get a sense of "me" positioned somewhere in my mind. We believe "the voice in my head, is me". It tells me about myself and it informs me of what to do, where to go and it reminds me of who/what I am: my name and important personal information, where and who I live with, my job and skills, interests and likes and dislikes etc. etc.

If we do not stop to observe the nature of mind and its contents, we may live an entire lifetime being governed by it, and believing that it is in fact who we are.

The mind appears to have a vested interest in projecting past experiences onto the now, and into the future. It seems to relish the drama of retelling old stories and showcasing accompanying images of those events as evidence, proof, usually to hold up a belief about ourselves or the world, particularly a self-limiting belief. The mind seems to relish in self-berating with virtually unquestionable hypotheticals and hindsight.

For example, you have a family emergency and have to take a few days off work and a colleague has to cover your project. Your manager recommends you take a compassionate leave of absence given the circumstances, to be with your family.

No problem, right...?

Whilst maintaining some degree of presence with your family and personal bereavement, you think and re-think and that over thinking (or ruminating) turns to worry about what is going on at work. You call your team to see who has been handed your project to fill them in and you send emails with your expectations of what is to be done. All week you're in a state of anxiety, as well as grief, and fear going back to work because you believe the project will not have been completed to your standard, holding up the belief that you should never take time off work no matter what, because no one else can do your job properly.

This is challenging and problematic, but also not uncommon.

The mind creates stories that we are at the centre of, whilst creating problems that it itself must solve based on prior experiences. This is the limited view of the mind.

Question?

Is it true that all experiences that start out similarly also end in the same way?

Does what you think is going to happen, always happen?

Is it true that someone else can't do your job or complete a project you started? Perhaps someone with a fresh perspective might even have a few new and different ideas that may be beneficial overall...? The mind will concoct a version (or multiple versions) of events based on the beliefs we hold true and the assumptions that we make based on those beliefs. Our belief system is what ultimately gets triggered and challenged, when we question: "is what I believe true, actually True?"

The mind also loves to pursue "good" thoughts, and attempts to cling on to them, especially when they come with associated positive feelings, or "good vibes". Those epic life moments or epiphanic experiences (especially the spiritual ones!) that we never want to end, those that live as snap shots in our memory that we attempt to resuscitate and keep alive. Those too, are merely thought forms, and manifestations of the mind. It is vital that we remain firmly grounded with our presence, our conscious awareness, in the Now.

Let's get curious...

Light a candle, get your journal out and find a comfortable seat. Write down what comes - there are no awards for neat handwriting and there is no right or wrong way to answer the following questions:

Why does the mind conjure up thoughts and images of the past? What is the mind trying to do? Why do some thoughts live rent free in our minds but others we seem to completely forget? Why do the same stories or memories reappear, some we cling to and others we push away? And why do made up scenarios in our heads make us feel anxious, and is that helpful?

---

One of the blocks to deep rest is the disturbance of the incessant nature of this mental chatter, the inner critic, reminding us of all the things we ought to do, and everything we should not have done. It creates an inner conflict and is something we try to avoid by distracting ourselves with TV or cake, or dissociating by keeping ourselves busy or attempting to transcend it through meditation. This is why taking regular time out of our busy schedules and booking time in for guided relaxation is so imperative. Deep rest is beneficial for a healthy mind and nervous system regulation, which is scientifically proven.

Studies have proven that inner criticism comes from a part of the brain called the Default Mode Network (DMN). Sound baths reduce activity within the DMN aiding the quietening of the inner critic which creates space in the mind for clarity, creativity and inspired action.

Scientists have found that the sound waves from tibetan and crystal singing bowls as well as the symphonic gong, tuning forks and many other percussive instruments, can help shift brainwaves away from rapid beta/gamma activity toward alpha/theta dominance; a pattern associated with relaxation, focus and internal awareness.

Coming to a sound bath or ten(!) doesn't guarantee that you mind will become quiet, clear and you'll only hear internal sounds of bliss. But it does give the valuable asset that is your mind the opportunity to explore what it is to have zero responsibilities for one whole hour. No distractions and no one pulling on your energy or asking for more of your time and attention, providing you space whilst healing soothing sounds help you to drop as deeply as possible into internal peace, stillness and quietude. Suggested reading: The Power of Now, Eckart Tolle.