What does your ‘inner voice’ say to you?

inner voice

As a fan of Romesh Ranganathan, I was amused when I read his column recently; I can handle my critics – apart from the nasty voice in my head where he talked about his ‘inner voice’ and the problems he has with it. Of course his writing was very funny, in his description of what his ‘inner voice’ says to him – and naturally how his mother features in the scenario as well!

We all have ‘inner voices’ and I think it’s interesting to reflect on what ours says to us and how it affects what we do.

But what was also interesting was how Romesh felt frustrated about his lack of ability to change his inner dialogue. He wrote that he had tried numerous techniques but nothing worked permanently and he always reverted back to his old habits.

inner voice

So, this is my response to Romesh!

Habits are very difficult to change but beginning to notice them is the first step.  If we notice what we habitually think, we can then decide to consciously think something else and notice the outcome, which if it is positive will be encouraging to try the next time. It’s not easy, but it is effective over time. Rather than beating yourself up for ‘reverting back to old habits’ again, you can celebrate that you have noticed and have given yourself a chance to do something different.

Habits are ingrained in memory, whether muscular, thoughts or emotions.

The way we move is also habitual and if it’s habitual to sit, walk, lift or whatever, in a way that puts us out of alignment and causes pain, then the same principle applies – noticing what our habits are and with the help of the Alexander Technique, choosing to do something different.