Challenging The Storyteller
The mind automatically creates stories about the people and events in our lives. These stories are almost entirely works of fiction based on our habits of thinking, our fears, and our childhood imprints. These stories reflect our subconscious programming, which very often is in control of our lives.
The following exercise uses a thinking routine to challenge the storyteller.
Observe
When you find yourself in a bad mood, angry, or sad about something, pause for a moment. Anger and sadness are both responses to pain. Attempt to identify what story you are telling yourself about the situation. Can you identify any themes in the story? Common themes include:
Life is unfair.
I don’t deserve to feel good.
People can’t be trusted.
I am unlovable
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Think
Ask yourself some basic questions about the theme you observed. If you keep a journal, record the responses there.
Is the theme you observed true?
How do you know?
Is this a story you have heard yourself telling before? Can you recall a time when you heard it before?
Wonder
Serve as your own coach! Challenge these automatic messages.
Remind yourself that thoughts are not facts.
Imagine a new or different interpretation of the situation. Try imagining the situation with a reverse lens: Use the perspective of another person in the situation to imagine the story they might tell.
Think of an exception to the theme you identified.
Challenging the storyteller is a difficult practice, and new habits can be tough to initiate. Taking a class and sharing with others is a great way to boost your practice.
We have multiple classes and workshops coming up to help you get started.
Visit our workshop or classes page