Self-doubt is truly one of the greatest obstacles to realising our full potential. It is that voice inside our heads that tells us we can’t do something or we’ll be humiliated if we try. It’s that voice that brings up all the times we have ‘failed’ to prove its point.
It’s that voice that compares us to others that are much better at this pursuit than us. It’s that voice warning us that other people will be judging our endeavour triggering feelings of doubt, embarrassment and sometimes, panic. It’s that voice that tells us we should do this thing like we’ve seen others do it & hold back on presenting our full authentic expression.
Self-doubt is acquired over our lifetime. It’s built upon faulty core beliefs such as not being good enough or deep unworthiness. To address these fundamental beliefs (which just ain’t true) we try to add on many layers to ‘improve’ ourselves. We hope to win the acceptance/approval of others and dearly hope (subconsciously) nobody ‘finds us out’. We add layers of protection with clothes, jobs, relationships, money, material accumulation, body image, knowledge, power & very complex thought structures… but it doesn’t matter what we ‘add on’, it’s all built on a very shakey foundation. That’s why it doesn’t work.
If all this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. There are many of us living with the relentless whisper of self-doubt in our ears.
“Strength, creativity & power are infinite resources within us. It’s only our chronic self-doubt that limits our access to
this infinite flow of universal energy”
So, what can we do about it?
1. Firstly, having an awareness of the self-doubt program running in our subconscious is paramount. What we can’t see we can’t change. Watch it. Listen to it. Build the capacity to witness this voice without judgment…just a “Hey there, I see you”. Learn to be curious, not critical. It’s actually fascinating to discover what’s been going on inside our own heads.
2. Next, we naturally start to become aware of this self-doubt in our day-to-day living. We’ll be triggered by someone, a request or opportunity or even by something we’re reading or watching. First you’ll feel a tightening or tension in your heart space or stomach. At this point, it’s important to breathe and stay open – we’re interrupting the pattern before it gets hijacked by the mind. Inhale to stay open (we don’t want to close and shut down) and exhale to release and let go of this energy that has arisen. Understand that this is stored energy from our past that has been re-activated. We want to let it flow & release. If we are unable to do this, we’ll find it will influence our present moment decision making. Do we really want our potential to create, expand & live being governed by the energy of that shame-filled moment when we were 5 years old? Probably not. Sounds ridiculous, but this is how it works. We store all of these events as energy that gets constantly reactivated and reinforced if we don’t have the knowledge and practices to clear and transcend it. So, breathe for as long as you need to for the tension to subside. Then make your decision about the present moment opportunity from a place of greater clarity. Be vigilant that you are not reacting to the feelings and emotions of your past experiences.
3. These strategies are simple, yet not necessarily easy. Meaning that to be able to effectively witness our thoughts and to be able to use our breath and intention to stay open when we’re triggered takes practice. Just like we couldn’t play Mozart if we’re new to piano, we practice our scales first, then we progress.
Many of you here already have an established meditation practice which we encourage you to be consistent with so that you are working your way towards playing Mozart!
If you don’t have a regular practice, we wholeheartedly encourage you to establish one. As you know, there are many options available. We totally support any practice that helps you to gain greater self-awareness and therefore your ability to let go of all the stuff that holds you back. We teach Himalayan Breathwork and the transcendent mantra meditation practices of Vedic Meditation and Sattva Meditation because they have been so powerful in our personal evolutionary journey.
Believe in your infinite potential. Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself.
With love
Cass & Marcus x
