Voices in our heads

"Imagination: having many voices in one's head. The freedom for that." Susan Sontag

If our heads are filled with an impressive number of thoughts each day (a general claim tells us on average 70.000), it is well possible that: a. we're not aware of them all (not in the same way at least); b. some of these thoughts can actually be harmful to developing our best self.

Indeed, in coaching practice one of the biggest break-through for a client (and also for the coach!) is identifying and challenging one's own negative thought patterns (so-called voices, or limiting beliefs, or even gremlins).

An essential skill is becoming aware of them. When do they arise? What's our typical reaction to them? How do they limit our potential for change and growth? How do they limit our vision, creativity, and impact on our environment?

The quote from Susan Sontag is to me a reminder that, while we all have many voices in our heads, the real change happens when we become aware of them. When we accept that they are part of our life and that we are free to experience them. And there's no guilt in this kind of experience, it's just how it works for every human being.

And, since we're finally free to experience them, we are also free to challenge them. We're able to leave the stage to other voices, those that foster our creativity and potential.

#mind #perception #coaching