Let’s ponder about something we all wrestle with at some point in our lives: doubt. That nagging thought that makes you question everything, even the stuff you once felt absolutely certain about. To deal with doubt, you must recognize it as doubt. Dealing with doubt actually guides you toward a deeper understanding of truth.

Doubt as Our Unwelcome Companion

Doubt is not just a background noise in the orchestra of your mind. It’s a powerful force that can deter you from discovering the truth. It’s woven into the fabric of our thoughts. It makes it hard to differentiate between what’s real and what’s an illusion crafted by our insecurities and societal expectations. Haven’t we all questioned our thoughts and decisions at some point? You will wonder what you are reading or hearing is really true or not. You will also ponder if you should be honest with a friend. That little doubter can be relentless.

Our minds are naturally predisposed to doubt. Discovering truth often brings uncomfortable feelings. It is painful to our egos and threatens to disrupt our comfortable narratives about ourselves. As long as we are pride-oriented, there is something deep down in us making us doubt what is right. Pride has an unconscious need to doubt the truth.

The Tug of Ego and the Call of Relief

Picture your ego as a shield, constantly trying to cushion you from the harshness of reality. When faced with doubt, your ego instinctively reaches for that immediate sense of relief. That relief often comes from doubting the truth itself. It’s like taking the easy route instead of traversing the rocky path toward self-acceptance. Do you recall those moments when you decided to just go with the flow of the world? You preferred fitting in over standing by your truth. That’s your ego kicking into overdrive. Your ego’s need for comfort leads you to conform instead of embracing your true beliefs.

When you give in to doubt, even just a little, it feels like a comforting embrace at first. You’re surrounded by friends, laughter, and validation. Yet, this temporary high is often overshadowed by a deeper sense of guilt and unease later on. Why? Because once you’ve tasted truth, going back into the comforting arms of doubt leaves you feeling more disconnected than ever.

Watching Your Doubt: The Art of Meditation

How can we navigate this complicated relationship with doubt? Meditation is your secret weapon. And no, you don’t need to become a monk or chat mantras for hours on end. Simple awareness and presence can suffice. As you meditate, allow those feelings of anxiety and doubt to rise to the surface. Notice them as they come and go, like clouds drifting across the sky. Don’t allow them to latch onto you. This practice of watching can be incredibly liberating.

Instead of getting caught up in the storm of your doubtful thoughts, imagine yourself as an observer. Yes, it’s going to feel uncomfortable at first. You’ll probably resist that inner urge to seek the relief that doubt offers. By choosing presence over reaction, you’ll be establishing a space where clarity can flourish.

Embracing Childhood Innocence

Remember the childhood days when you believed in magic and saw the world through the lens of wonder? As children, we had an unfiltered connection with the truths that are inherently existing in the world around us. Unfortunately, as we grew older, we learned to doubt those instincts. Society has a knack for teaching us that believing in something deeply—like your inner truths—is “foolish”. We want love and acceptance, sure, but at what cost?

We conform to the worldly norms and allow our pride to take hold. As a result, we unconsciously agree to doubt the very truths we hold dear. We want to fit in, to be liked, to be celebrated. And that’s where the trouble starts. It’s super easy to dismiss our truths and choose the comfortable numbness of fitting in. We think this will calm our aching egos. But, in doing so, we’re neglecting that precious child-like intuition that once guided us.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

So how do we break free from this cycle? The first step is learning to trust yourself again. When doubt whispers in your ear, you have to hold your ground. Realize that standing firm in your understanding of what is right is something you owe to yourself. Do it not for the sake others, but for your own inner landscape. You don’t have to give anybody a reason. Adhere to what you know is right. Your truths can make you feel lonely at times. Still, they will ultimately draw you closer to genuine connections with those who matter.

Here’s a little affirmation for you to consider adopting: “I acknowledge my doubt, but I choose to follow my truth.” It’s like a protective shield against that guilty little voice. This voice tries to lure you back into the comfortable chaos of expectations and judgments from the world around you. Remember, when you reject doubt, you will feel pain initially—from the resistance, the longing for approval, the nostalgia for validation. But on the other side of that discomfort lies true relief, clarity, and authenticity.

Conclusion

The next time doubt comes knocking at your door, greet it with curiosity instead of fear. Acknowledge it, meditate on it, and allow it to pass without letting it dictate your actions. Lean into your truth and reject the superficial relief that doubt provides. You’ll then find more peace in the tumult of life. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all navigating the waves of doubt, seeking the shores of truth together.

Here’s to dealing with doubt as a stepping stone to self-discovery! Stay brave, stay true, and above all, keep meditating on those deeper truths.

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