The Importance of the Internal Experience

Not too long ago I read portions of a book about burnout. In it the author talked about the common types of burnout, the various patterns that might lead to burnout, common responses to it, and the pillars of a healing approach.

One thing that I found very interesting was the idea of “external experience” versus “internal experience.” One would assume that all burnout is caused by external experiences – i.e., a heavy workload, demanding family responsibilities, a lack of work/life balance, etc. – but in reality it is the “internal experiences” of people that might contribute to burnout as well.

Internal experience can be defined as how we are processing things. How we organize information and experiences in our heads, how we talk to ourselves, and the resulting neurochemical reactions that can arise if we are too often giving ourselves a fearful, self-pitying, or self-castigating dialogue about the events of our lives.

Some people might manage their external experiences quite well. They might have multiple family and work responsibilities and a full calendar all arranged and handled well. But inside they might be telling themselves that they are failing, that people are judging them negatively, and that they just will never be or do enough.

If we are constantly telling ourselves that something is wrong, then we indeed believe that something is always wrong and always will be wrong. The same goes for the healing experience. We must talk well to ourselves about it, and make sure to encourage ourselves and remind ourselves that progress is happening.

If we can learn to become more encouraging with ourselves, and if we allow our inner dialogue to be driven by self-love and faith, then we can find a much more healing and nurturing inner experience day-to-day.

This is precisely why I talk so often about believing in what you are doing. No matter if you are having a painful day or a pleasant one, tell yourself that it is moving you forward.

No matter if you are running 5 miles or walking a half mile, tell yourself that the workout was meaningful and beneficial to wellness.

Always remind yourself of this phrase: “My efforts matter. They, along with God and time, are moving me forward in healing and growth.”

There is a famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt that says: “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” This is true, and I’ve seen it in my own life and in the lives of others time and time again.

Believe you can. Believe.

As you head into the next steps of your healing process, focus on faith. Have faith that God is by your side and faith in the miraculous healing powers that are built into our minds and bodies. Have faith that the future is going to be better as a result of what you are doing—and enduring—right now.

Believe in the good future that you are nurturing as you walk down this path of healing, and practice speaking well to yourself as you move down that path. Make sure to put a positive context around what you are going through each day.

Become more practiced at creating a healthy and vibrant “internal experience” for yourself. This, as much as anything, will allow you to gain strength, joy and vibrancy as time goes on.

This season of life you are in right now might certainly be challenging at times, but it is also very meaningful and if approached the right way it can be one that will produce much benefit for the future. Remind yourself of this, day in and day out.

What you are doing here is valuable, and God is by your side each step of the way.

Until next time,

Michael