Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Life Balance

57 | Can You Really Silence that Inner Critic? From Negative Whispers to Empowering Affirmations

• Paula Behrens | Certified Aroma Freedom (AFT) Practitioner, Pastor, Christian Coach • Season 2

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The negative voice in your head doesn't have to win. That persistent inner critic—whispering doubt, planting seeds of fear, and questioning your worth—can be silenced through a divine blend of scripture and scent.

Many believers struggle with this internal dialogue while simultaneously finding it challenging to maintain consistent spiritual practices in their busy lives. Drawing from personal experience, including my journey through seminary while serving congregations and later transitioning into retirement, I share how the Aroma Freedom Technique provided a breakthrough that removed layers of old wounds and brought clarity to my path forward.

Scripture offers profound guidance for managing our thoughts. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that "as he thinks in his heart, so is he," while 2 Corinthians 10:5 encourages us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." These verses underscore the importance of recognizing and actively managing the negative voice within us. Through awareness, journaling, challenging thought validity, and replacing negativity with scriptural affirmations, we can transform our mental landscape.

Biblical boundaries serve as spiritual scaffolding that protects our inner peace and aligns our minds with God's will. Even Jesus modeled boundary-setting by withdrawing for personal renewal. The Aroma Freedom Technique, developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Benjamin Perkus, offers a unique approach that combines essential oils with focused reflection. This technique works with the brain's limbic system—responsible for emotions and memories—to support mood regulation and build resilience against negative thoughts.

By integrating natural aromas (as God created them) into prayer, journaling, and worship, we create sacred spaces where God's presence is felt more profoundly. Through these holistic strategies, you can silence the negative voice, embrace your worth, and walk confidently in faith. Subscribe to continue discovering how to live on purpose in Christ, and join our community at BiblicalBoundariesForWomen.com to connect with others on this journey.

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Speaker 1:

Are you ready to transform negative whispers into empowering affirmations through the divine blend of scripture and scent? Tune in to today's show to discover how you can conquer that relentless inner critic and embrace true spiritual mastery with an empowering technique developed by clinical psychologist, Dr Benjamin Perkus. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you. Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to Sara E Moreira. She writes, "So helpful and motivating. This podcast is a must listen for anyone wanting to grow closer to God. I found it very overwhelming at times while walking on this journey. The guidance and tips given on this podcast are so great. I highly recommend listening." Thank you for that wonderful review, Sara. I appreciate you. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes. What a joy it is for me to hear from our listeners.

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When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But, truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. We're all just doing our best in this journey of faith, a beautiful work in progress. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices. Hey sister, do you want to come and hang out with a group of faith-filled women who are on a mission to maintain consistent spiritual practices so that they too can be a guiding light for Jesus? In our group, you'll get tips that will transform your devotional routines into fun and joy-filled moments, plus early bird access to special offers. And the best part is that you can ask your questions inside the community. Come join Biblical Boundaries For Women .com (no spaces). Alright, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

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As I stepped into retirement after years of serving as a pastor, I found myself at a crossroads, seeking the next chapter God had planned for me. I sensed a deep calling to continue serving, but the path forward was not yet clear. During my Aroma Freedom Technique certification training, I experienced a significant emotional breakthrough. This transformative journey gently removed the layers of old wounds from my time as a pastor, fostering healing and clarity as I let go of the negative charge of certain memories. It was as if a veil (that had been unknowingly clouding my vision) was finally lifted, revealing a clear path for my new adventure, and that's what I want for you too. It is my prayer that I can be a source of inspiration, not only through podcasting, but also through my online Aroma Freedom coaching program for Christian women. I am so blessed that God has provided the training and expertise needed to help you, too, uncover the purpose and meaning you've been searching for.

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Today's episode is going to be especially useful for those who are looking to tackle and manage those persistent little negative voices that want to sow doubt and fear in their heart. We all have that little voice, don't we? The one that whispers insidiously, planting seeds of doubt and fear. It lurks in the shadows of our consciousness, manifesting as insecurity and self-doubt. It's that voice that questions our worth, our talents and even our faith. Navigating life with this constant internal dialogue can feel like a daunting task.

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However, the Bible provides us with timeless wisdom on managing our thoughts and setting our boundaries that are both mental and spiritual. Before diving into techniques and managing negative thoughts, it's crucial to first understand this internal voice. Often referred to as the inner critic, this voice is a collection of doubts and insecurities that have accumulated over time. It critiques, undermines and frequently plays the role of the naysayer. However, the true problem arises when we let this negative voice define our actions and beliefs. The Bible speaks of the power of the mind and cautions us to guard our thoughts diligently. In the King James Version of Proverbs, 23: 7, we hear, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Our thoughts have the profound ability to shape not only our perception but our reality. Therefore, understanding and controlling our thoughts is essential for achieving spiritual and emotional well-being. In 2 Corinthians, 10: 5, we're encouraged to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. This verse is a call to not only recognize the negative voice, but to actively manage and overcome it. But how do we set these all-important mental and spiritual boundaries? Let's delve into the steps that can help us reclaim control of our minds and our spiritual lives.

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The first step in overcoming negative thoughts is awareness. Simply put, you cannot change what you do not acknowledge. Begin by paying attention to your thoughts throughout the day. Are they uplifting or are they tearing you down? Keep a journal of recurring negative thoughts. This practice can provide valuable insight into patterns that fuel your inner critic. Once you've identified negative patterns, it's time to question their validity. Are these thoughts based on factual events or hypothetical fears? Challenge the accuracy of your thoughts and seek evidence that can either confirm or deny them. Often, you'll find that many fears are unfounded, serving only to hinder your happiness and growth. Scripture provides powerful truths that can replace our negative thinking. For instance, when plagued with thoughts of inadequacy, remember Philippians 4: 13, which says, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations grounded in truth can help pave the way toward mental transformation.

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Creating mental and spiritual boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy, positive mindset. Guard your mind by being selective about the media you consume, the conversations you engage in, and the environments you frequent. Surround yourself with positivity, people who uplift and encourage, and content that inspires and instills peace. Meditation and prayer are vital practices for fostering a peaceful and centered mind. Take time each day to meditate on scripture and spend quiet moments in prayer. Meditation in particular, helps to clear the mind of clutter and focuses thoughts on what matters most. While the mind and spirit are central, physical aids like essential oils can complement your journey to mental mastery. Young Living offers a range of essential oils that promote mental clarity and emotional well-being. Consider incorporating these oils into your routine to anchor yourself during meditation or journaling.

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Now let's move on to biblical boundaries and the part they play in getting rid of those menacing, little negative thoughts and feelings. Biblical boundaries can be likened to spiritual scaffolding that helps us create a fortified mind. They are the lines we draw to protect our inner peace and align our actions with God's will. What does setting a boundary look like biblically? Well, Proverbs 4: 23 tells us, "Above all else. Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." This teaches us that what we internalize affects our outward actions. Guarding your heart is a boundary that protects against the enemies of the soul: doubt, anxiety and insecurity. 1 Corinthians 3:1 6 reinforces this by reminding us that our bodies are the temple of God's Holy Spirit. By taking responsibility for our own emotional and spiritual health, we create a space where negativity cannot easily intrude.

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Many believers struggle to set boundaries because of a misinterpretation of love and kindness. We sometimes equate being a good Christian with being perpetually open and accessible, often leaving us vulnerable to negative influences. However, even Jesus took time to withdraw and recharge, aligning his will with the Fathers'. This teaches us that setting boundaries is an act of obedience, allowing us to serve more effectively in our calling. Okay, so here are a few practical steps to establishing boundaries. Begin with seeking God's discernment. Ask for wisdom in identifying where boundaries are needed. Use the Word to affirm your boundaries. Memorize verses that help you keep the negative voice at bay. Engage in a trusted community that honors and respects your boundaries. Like-minded believers can provide encouragement and accountability.

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At this point, you might be wondering how aromas fit into setting biblical boundaries and overcoming that negative voice. Well, that's where the limbic system comes in. The limbic system is a part of our brain responsible for emotions, feelings and memories. Aromas, due to their direct connection with the olfactory senses, have a profound impact on this system. When we use specific, natural and pure scents, as God created them, when we use these intentionally, they can support mood regulation, stress reduction and build resilience against negative thoughts. And here's the secret sauce. It's called the Aroma Freedom Technique, created by a clinical psychologist, Dr Benjamin Perkus. Aroma Freedom is a technique that combines the essential oils with focused reflection, helping dissolve negative thoughts and creating mental clarity for better boundary setting. It's a practice that invites the Holy Spirit to work through these God-given natural resources, allowing our minds to align more closely with Christ-like thinking. I'm talking to Dr Perkus right now to see if we can get him to come on a future episode to explain it more fully. Won't that be exciting?

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There are also a few other ways you can benefit from the aromas on your own. Incorporating aromas during your prayer time can deepen your relaxation and create a sacred space where you feel God's presence profoundly. Or use them while you're journaling, as you're writing down your thoughts use scents to ignite inspiration, clarity and positivity. Write down prayers, boundaries and victories over negativity, as you breathe in the wonderful aromas that God has created for you. You can even use these aromas in worship. Diffusing specific aromas during worship can elevate your experience, helping you feel more present and attuned to God's voice, over that negative one. Now you might think. Well, my church already uses scents throughout the sanctuary. However, there's a difference between lab-produced fragrances and natural aromas made by God to enhance our well-being. Two completely different stories and a whole other podcast episode for another time.

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Okay, so let's touch on some highlights from today's discussion. First, we explored the all-too-familiar inner critic that casts doubt and fear, impacting our perception of self-worth, talents and faith. We delved into the pervasive challenge of this inner critic and how a biblical mindset offers guidance rooted in God's Word. This voice of doubt and insecurity can significantly influence our actions and beliefs, yet the Bible provides wisdom on overcoming it. Proverbs 23: 7 and 2 Corinthians 10: 5 remind us of the importance of managing our thoughts and aligning them with truth. We explored practical steps like maintaining awareness, journaling negative patterns and challenging the validity of these thoughts. Replacing negativity with scriptural affirmations, establishing mental and spiritual boundaries and engaging in meditation and prayer are also emphasized. We learned about essential oils to support this journey by promoting relaxation and clarity, and how, when actively managing thoughts, we can transform our mental and spiritual well-being, achieving peace and positivity.

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We delved into the concept of biblical boundaries, which serves as spiritual scaffolding, helping align our minds with God's will while protecting our inner peace. Scriptures like Proverbs 4:2 3 and 1 Corinthians 3. 1 6 emphasize the importance of guarding our hearts and taking responsibility for our emotional and spiritual health. Here's the thing. Struggles with boundary setting often stem from misconstrued notions of love and kindness, leaving us overly exposed. Yet setting boundaries is an act of obedience modeled even by Jesus, who often withdrew for personal renewal. Practical steps include prayer for discernment, spiritual affirmations and community support.

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We also touched on the role of aromas in engaging the limbic system, which influences emotions and memory. By using essential oil like those featured in the Aroma Freedom Technique, we can aid mood regulation and boundary setting, while inviting the Holy Spirit to guide us. Integrating aromas into biblical practices can enhance prayer, journaling and worship, creating a heightened sense of God's presence and reinforcing mental fortitude against negative voices. Through these holistic strategies, you can forge stronger boundaries and align more closely with a Christ-centered mindset. You know, in a world filled with distractions and doubt, the journey to mastering our thoughts may not always be straightforward, however, by committing to practices that align our minds with biblical truths, we can overcome our inner critic.

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Remember you have the power, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to take every thought captive and redirect your mental focus to what uplifts and serves your highest good. As we grow in the ability to dissolve that negative voice, our lives will abundantly reflect the peace promised through obedience to Christ. Just as God created captivating aromas to calm and uplift our spirits and to work within the limbic system to release that negative charge of memories and emotions, so too has he provided strength in his Word for our emotional and spiritual fortitude. So the next time that little negative voice tries to become too loud, remind yourself of what God has provided for you. With these tools, you will be equipped to silence the noise, embrace your worth and confidently walk in faith for Christ.

Speaker 1:

Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say "no" to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Also, don't forget to become a part of our community on Facebook at Biblical Boundaries For Women .com (no spaces). Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.