At the library, a man in his thirties with mental health issues was shouting in anger. “Breaker! Breaker! Breaker!”
The same shouting continued as he was being escorted out by security, and even outside the library, he continued shouting his anger. At times he pointed his finger and looked angrily at the world. “Bang! Bang! Bang!” After a few moments of discernment, I was not afraid anymore. I noticed he was battling with the negative voices inside his head. His only mode of communication with himself was negative thoughts: “Breaker! Breaker! Breaker!”
I breathed in and out compassion for the man with mental health issues, knowing how much pain and suffering he carried with him at all times. I also wondered about the voices shouting inside our heads and how we react to those.
As your day moves along, are you aware of the voices inside of you? What do they say? Are they whispering self-deprecating messages, shouting in anger? As the day ends, what do you carry with you into your dreams? Are those voices affecting your sleep, your relationships, your sense of well being? Are you aware of those thoughts and emotions that blurry your sense of reality, distort perceptions and your view of the world?
Try This Meditation:
Take a few minutes to breathe in and breathe out. Listen to yourself. “How are you today?” Breathing in, breathing out, scan your mind, your thoughts. Openly and sincerely listen to the voices inside of you. With love and compassion ask yourself: “What do you need?” Moment by moment, be aware of the voice inside of you. Compassion for all beings includes your “self.” Moment by moment, provide compassion. Trust your wisdom as you engage those voices in dialogue. Moment by moment, offer compassion, understanding, love.
Juan