When we talk to ourselves in our head, we have the opportunity to punish ourselves or be the parent we never had. It’s our choice. Sometimes it can feel like it is impossible to stop the negative thinking. I know. I have been there. When nothing, like nothing, works. Have you ever heard the phrase “the mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master” (Robin Sharma @robinsharma)? In the West, we have learned to revere the mind. We have learnt that the mind gets us good grades and good jobs. It is what we are praised for at school and often at home. But has the mind been given too much power, collectively and individually? Can we re-tame that wild tiger that is the mind? Yes…it can be done, and not only by monks in baby steps. One step towards calming the mind is working with your inner child and changing the dialogue. Our inner talk is powerful. Over time it affects our sense of self. If what you hear in your head is unhelpful, it might be time to listen to what it is saying and then replace it with a different, more loving voice. This is reparenting.