What is this self we speak of? We mention it in so many ways. Self-care,  self-love, self-development, self-esteem, self-confidence and self-concept. The idea of the self is given a lot of weight isn't it? But it is actually a collection of thoughts. Ways of thinking we developed from the moment of our conception. When you think about that for a moment, it can feel quite mind-blowing! 

None of what we think is what we choose. Which puts into perspective all those tools and techniques we might employ to try and control our thoughts and feelings. That's the self (a collection of thoughts) trying to control the self (the same collection of thoughts). You might as well try to do your own brain surgery. But as we see this and start to get curious, we can start to see through some of that learned thinking. The self can become less prominent in our awareness.

Get full access to From Surviving to Thriving at claredownham.substack.com/subscribe