Many of my students have a negative narrator in their head dictating who they think they are and how others perceive them. As a recovering perfectionist and people pleaser, I can relate strongly to this afore mentioned affliction. My mind is so quick to tell a story about why this student or that colleague doesn’t like me, how that one thinks I’m incompetent, how I, myself, don’t think I can do it.
One way we can manage these difficult thoughts is just to know them as thoughts and let them go. Each time the narration arises, we can witness it as the grumpy judgmental old fart within us that can be acknowledged without being believed.
Another way is to strengthen another narrator, one that can also see our strengths and value in this world.
Today was the last day of the semester for my students, so as a final wrap up activity, I asked my classes to share the love. In my yoga and mindfulness class, we each wrote our names on a card and passed it around, recording a short thought about why we appreciate having that person in the class. In my Couch to 5K, students reflected on one moment they were proud of themselves.
By intentionally bringing in moments to feel and share the love, students have the opportunity to challenge their inner critique. To hear genuine appreciation and experience self love. And so do I.