This is a process for helping you discover new interpretations of the words of an inner voice. You will often notice that the meaning of the voice alters, either gradually or more drastically, with each step you take. There is no difference in response if a step does not provide you with any new understanding. Thus, different individuals regard some steps as more relevant than others for them.
While working alone, you’ll have to take a break after each step to complete the task at hand, and then read the next one. Then you’ll have to reenter your previous stage’s experience before you can proceed to the next step. You can close your eyes and completely immerse yourself in each stage without interruption if someone else is reading each step to you.
Step 1: Recall a bothersome voice and pay close attention to what it reveals to you—the volume, rhythm, inflection, pauses, and so on. #
Step 2: Who is speaking? #
Is this your voice, or did you learn to talk this way from someone else? In order to determine the part who is speaking, you need to look at their face and think about all the things you already know about them, such as their personality traits, values, needs and wants, and abilities and limitations.
Step 3: “Can you tell me where you are? #
” This speaker, or your own voice, is speaking to you in a bigger context, so pay attention to that. Take note of all the nearby sights and sounds, as well as the wider environment in the distance.
Step 4: “When did this happen? #
" If it’s a static image, turn it into a movie that incorporates previous episodes that have an impact on what’s happening now, as well as imagined future occurrences that have an impact on what’s happening now. If it’s a static image, turn it into a movie that incorporates previous episodes that have an impact on what’s happening now, as well as imagined future occurrences that have an impact on what’s happening now.
Step 5: “Is there anything else going on right now? #
" When it comes to this event, what else have you noticed and discovered?
Step 6: “How is this other person reacting to all of these circumstances, and how are you reacting to the person? #
" Remember to take in everything you can about this occasion.
Step 7: It’s quite doubtful that the voice’s meaning hasn’t changed based on all of this additional information. #
A few—or maybe all—of the various steps in this procedure may have modified the meaning slightly, or certain processes may have had a greater impact than others. Pause for a moment to really appreciate the significance of the voice in your life right now.