As a reminder, this series is about how we self-inflict pain into our lives by the way we think in our minds. If you missed the previous articles, feel free to check out previous ones!

A “mind hack” as any tool or idea that helps us understand the mind so we can have a mentally healthy life!

Over the last couple of articles in this series, I have talked about how sometimes we can find ourselves going into what I called what if world where we experience worry and anxiety

and how sometimes we give in to that inner critic voice that can lead us down the road to shame and self-judgment.

Today, I’d like to expand on this idea that we hear various voices that -if listened to – can lead us down very different paths.

Specifically, I’d like to discuss how we can be influenced either by the voice of truth or the voice of lies (which also includes the inner critic that I spoke about last week).

Let me tell you about my week prior to writing this article. I found myself meditating on and clinging to beliefs (about life, God, people around me) that led me to feelings of sadness, frustration, anger, and hopelessness. (I sometimes call these beliefs “languishing life lies”). It wasn’t fun!

What I came to realize was that I was listening to the voice of lies. Now, why do I call these thoughts or beliefs “lies”?

I call them lies because while there were grains of truth in these beliefs, there were also a lot of assumptions I was making which I later realized weren’t necessarily real or true.

And, as I found myself stuck on these beliefs, I found I wasn’t feeling very loving – towards myself or people around me.

But then I talked to a good friend last night who gave me perspective.

This friend helped me to see what my mind was doing.

I came to recognize that my recent beliefs were faulty and not based entirely on reality and truth.

This was helpful, humbling, and eye-opening!

Helpful – because I couldn’t see past my nose when stuck in my own thinking

Humbling – because I had to admit that my beliefs were faulty and I was making assumptoins

Eye-opening – because I was momentarily blind but now I could see!

God was using this friend, I believe, to be the voice of truth for me.

As I was challenged, I re-evaluated my beliefs and shifted into focusing on more life-giving.

beliefs. (I sometimes call these “thriving life beliefs”)

As a result, I’m moving out of my funk and today I’m in a more loving space both towards others and myself.

When we medidate on that which is true and life-giving, then we can show up in life in a more positive, loving space.

Conversely, when we meditate on that which is false and life-draining, then we may show up in more of a funk.

So here are some questions to consider:

Which voice are you listening to? Are you listening to the voice of truth about yourself, others, and the life you’ve been given?

Or, are you listening to the voice of lies?

(and if you are, is there a trusted person or friend you can reach out to so you can get perspective?)

Let’s THRIVE in mind so we can THRIVE in life!