Question

Swami Rama stresses often on internal dialogue while I find it is a practice on which we (or at least myself) put enough time and effort. It is also hard for me to properly understand what really internal dialogue is. I hope someone will clarify…

Answer

Stephen Parker (Stoma) has answered this question.

Stephen Parker (Stoma)

Internal dialogue happens automatically in the form of a running commentary that we all make on the experience of our lives. Swamiji simply recommends beginning to participate in that dialogue consciously in order to gradually move our mind in a more sattvic direction. It can take many different forms depending on what works for you. The simplest is just to ask your mind when you sit for meditation whether there is anything that needs to be done first so that meditation is undisturbed. You may be surprised how readily your mind answers the question and gives you a “to-do” list so that as you meditate, your concentration doesn’t have to be on these items.

We can also begin to alter the quality of our self-conversation about the events in our life as a way to shift our emotions in a more constructive direction. This is the basic premise of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy which is really just a modern rephrasing of the ancient technique of self-dialogue or self-inquiry (atma-vichara).

Editor’s Note

If you have any questions about your spiritual practice, you may write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee at adhyatmasamiti@gmail.com.