Self Talking

Every waking moment we talk to ourselves about the things we experience. Our self-talk, the thoughts we communicate to ourselves, in turn control the way we feel and act.
-John Lembo

Someone once told me that he stopped going to yoga classes because the teacher had begun chanting in class. Although he had grown to truly love the asana (posture) practice, he could not allow himself to be surrounded by the chants. He was wary of the "power of the spoken word". I told him that I thought he was right in not returning to class if he felt uncomfortable, although flippantly dismissing his concerns to myself.

Now that I have experienced the power of attraction, I understand his concern. Continuously doing something that you feel is wrong, is detrimental to your body and spirit. Holding negative thoughts as you chant words that ask for enlightenment, causes stress and may be hazardous to your health!

We seem to be well aware of all the negativity that surrounds us in the newspapers, on television, and at gossipy dinner parties. Although so often, we are unaware of our own insidious chanting.

If someone told you that you were fat, dumb, or lazy, would you be offended? Offended might be a mild reaction. Yet how many times do we pass our reflection in a mirror or stand in judgement of ourselves, offering such comments? Words we would never say to someone else.

Just as pregnant women instinctively begin to treat their bodies with care because of the 'extra' life inside them, we all need to care for the 'extra ordinary' life inside us and be mindful of how we talk to ourselves. Self-talk is a non-stop radio station.

Bertrand Russell said, "The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life. I do not mean that if you are good you will be happy; I mean that if you are happy you will be good."

We cannot seek to do good in this world by diminishing ourselves, in any manner. Purring is a prerequisite to roaring.