How to Break Out of a Mental Prison, With Psychologist Dr. Edith Eger
This week we break out of our mental prison of victim, fear and hopelessness with the help of psychologist and Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Eger. Hear Dr. Eger speak to Jordan and Alice about how our thoughts create our feelings and how changing the language of your thoughts can lead you to a more responsible approach to life.
Dr. Eger is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Choice: Accept the Potential , which is her memoir about surviving Auschwitz. Her latest book, The Gift: 12 Lessons to Saving Your Life, is her guide to solving life’s toughest problems.
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Highlights from this week’s series
From an interview with Dr. Edith Eger
How to change the language of self-talk to start letting go of the thoughts that are holding you back:
[One of the things I ask people to get rid of is two words: “always” and “never.” “I always do that. I will never find a suitable life partner “and replace him,” I have done it so far. And now I can do something else, ”because change is synonymous with growth. I love the idea of changing gears in the car and then releasing the clutch. So now is a good break to ask yourself, what am I doing now and how does it work for me? How does it help me? And maybe you are clinging to some things and it’s time to let go.
On the importance of being kind to yourself and starting to observe your thoughts and behavior:
[D] give yourself permission to experience any feelings without judging that feeling. You yourself create what you think. Your feelings don’t come first. You think first. And it gives rise to your feelings. So these are two things. It is important to think about your thinking and pay attention to what you are paying attention to. Any behavior that needs attention will reinforce that behavior.
About learning to take responsibility for your life:
[T] This is what I decided upon release. And I was in this line-up, and I realized that my parents would not return. And I wanted to die. It’s easier to die than to live. And life is hard. Look at your birth certificate. Does this say that life is simple? Does it say it’s a guarantee? No, not even confidence. But there is a possibility. As I think this is what I am creating. So be a responsible person. Your thinking, your feeling and your behavior. So, before you say something, you ask yourself, is it kind? Then is it very important? And if it’s not good, don’t say it, because no one grows up on criticism.
To learn more about the wisdom of Dr. Eger, we recommend listening to the entire episode.
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