Headspace Studios.

Hi, this is Dora and welcome to Radio Headspace.

I'm so glad that you're here.

So one thing that often becomes very noticeable when we sit down to meditate

is the way we speak to ourselves.

At first, many people come to meditation hoping to feel calmer, more settled, more at ease.

And sometimes that happens. But often what we notice first is something else.

It's the voice in the mind, the one that comments on what's happening, the one that evaluates,

critiques, and at times judges. And when that voice becomes easier to hear, it can be a little surprising.

Many of us are used to directing kindness outward.

We know how to encourage our friends.

We know how to support someone when they're struggling.

But when it comes to ourselves, that tone can be different.

And sitting in meditation, we start to hear that tone more clearly.

I think many of us assume that meditation is about improving ourselves, fixing something,

becoming more focused or more patient.

And while those things can certainly grow from the practice,

meditation often begins with something simpler.

It begins with noticing how we relate to ourselves.

When we start paying attention to the mind, we don't just see thoughts.

We also start to hear the tone of the voice that responds to those thoughts.

And sometimes that voice can be harsh.

...