Feeling trapped by your thoughts? How to find a way out.
If you’re feeling trapped by your thoughts—especially the ones that criticize, judge, and remind you of all the reasons you’re “not enough”—you’re not alone. So many of us live in our heads, thinking about ourselves more than actually being ourselves. But there’s a path out of that mental maze. It involves dropping down, out of your mind and into your body, into a space of stillness where a powerful transformation can take place.
The Trap of Identifying with Your Thoughts
Most of us go through life believing that our thoughts define us. When that little voice tells us we’re unworthy, we tend to believe it. We think it’s simply “the truth” about us. But the truth is, those thoughts are not who we are; they’re just mental patterns—layers of beliefs we’ve built up over time. And as long as we identify with them, they continue to hold power over us.
Why the Body Holds the Key
When we bring our attention into our bodies—especially through breath, mindfulness, or even gentle awareness—we begin to step out of our minds and into a place where thoughts start to lose their grip. The body is always in the present moment; it’s grounded, unlike the mind, which is constantly jumping between past regrets and future worries.
In the body, we connect with what I call Empowered Stillness—a state where our natural wholeness and peace reside. This is where we can experience our true selves, beyond the noise of the mind.
Moving into Stillness
When we’re still - and I don’t mean we have to be literally still (although if you need to do that to start then do that) - we can also be hiking or walking or washing dishes. I’m referring to going inward into our still center as much as we can. When allow ourselves to do this, we become the observer of our thoughts rather than the puppet pulled by them. This shift is subtle yet profound. You start noticing: “Ah, there’s that thought about not being good enough again. Interesting.” Instead of engaging with it, you just notice it, like a cloud drifting across the sky. From this inner space, thoughts lose their intensity, and the inner critic or negative self-talk weakens, no longer defining or controlling you.
Practical Ways to Drop Out of Your Head
Pause and Breathe: Close your eyes, place one hand on your heart, and breathe deeply. Let your awareness drop into the sensation of your breath in your body.
Notice without Judgment throughout the day: Begin to notice any thoughts that arise and observe them without attaching meaning. Just watch them drift by.
Feel Your Inner Stillness: Take a moment to feel the stillness within your body. Allow yourself to relax into it, feeling the calm it brings. This is your foundation; it’s always there.
Reclaiming Your Freedom
Over time, this practice allows you to stop identifying with your thoughts and reclaim your inner freedom. When thoughts lose their power over you, you’re no longer held back by the inner critic or self-doubt. You connect to a deeper sense of self that is steady, calm, and whole. From here, life opens up; you can share your gifts and purpose without fear holding you back.
In a world that constantly pulls us out of ourselves, it’s powerful to know we can return to this place of stillness within. Freedom isn’t something we find “out there”—it’s right here, within each of us. All we have to do is step out of our heads and into our bodies. And in doing so, we come home.