Negative beliefs can rule our lives, they also play a major part in depression and anxiety conditions where associated with chronc self doubt or low self esteem. In the Chapter Investigating Core Beliefs of her book True Refuge, therapist Tara Brach suggests we work with becoming more aware of the kinds of beliefs and thoughts which are arising in response to life and situations on any day. She recommends that we use a process of inquiry to question ourselves and become mindful of 1) What am I believing…. 2) Is this belief really true? 3) What is it like to live with this belief? 4) What stops me letting go of this belief? 5) What would my life be like without this belief? 6) Who or what would I be if I no longer lived with this belief?
It a profound method of inquiry which I have been practicing lately when my mind has been tempted to run away with itself and has opened up the very real possibility of how expansive my life could be living without these addictions to anxiety or depression provoking beliefs. For example a lot of us who suffer with anxiety have come to believe there is something wrong with us and yes, our anxiety may be causing us harm and a by far limited life, but still if we are honest and try to undo the power of this belief there is a freedom possible on the other side in terms of a reduction of anxiety and depression. This is because chronic self doubt or feelings of being wrong or powerless underlie so much depression and anxiety…
When I investigate how believing “something is wrong with me” affects my life, I can sense how it blocks me from feeling loving and loved. It creates a tension that keeps me resless, edgy and distracted, and unable to enjoy what I’m doing. It prevents me from being attuned and sensitive to others. Sometimes I become aware of how long I’ve been judging myself harshly, and of how many moments of my life I’ve lost to this familiar trance.. This often brings up what I call “soul sadness,” a tenderness that is full of compassion. In those moments, I am living in a presence that is not confined by my belief.
Reality is always kinder than the stories we tell about it.
Byron Katie
Emerging From The Dark Night 