Self-Trust is the fourth concept of mindfulness. The definition of self-trust is the firm reliance on the integrity of yourself. Part of meditation as a whole is to become your own person. Too many times in today’s world we listen to what others tell us we should be, think, and believe. Everyone is telling us we have to be like somebody else. Those who make meditation a constant part of their life is on a journey of self-discovery. As they progress, they start to become more aware of their own thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Sometimes this can be a scary journey. That is ok just as long as they don’t let fear stop them. This is where self-trust comes in. When we trust ourselves, we start to claim our own power. Personal power is the key to overcoming fear. It also makes us mentally stronger and less likely to be manipulated by others. The more confident we become in our own decision-making ability the stronger our self-trust will be.
Learning How to Trust Yourself
If you suffer from a lack of self-trust there is good news. You can learn how to trust yourself. Mindfulness Muse has an article called Learning to Trust Yourself: Mindfulness & Vulnerability. In it, Dr. Laura K Schenck, Ph.D., LPC talks about how the first step to learning to trust yourself is by becoming vulnerable. We are conditioned to thing that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness. It is quite the opposite. Being vulnerable is one of the most courageous things we can do. It pushes us out of our comfort zone to experience new things. Overcoming the fear of being vulnerable is uncomfortable at first. However, the more you do it the easier it becomes.
Safe Refuge
Dr. Schenck discusses how finding a safe refuge is a great way to start feeling vulnerable. A safe refuge can be a trustworthy relationship, mindfulness meditation, or a quiet place in your home or nature. Your safe refuge is going to be specific to you and your personality. Once you find your safe refuge, you will be able to let your true thoughts and feelings out. Eventually your self-esteem and confidence will increase. As they grow you will be more comfortable expressing yourself in other places.
Self-Trust and Acceptance
My final thought on self-trust is how it is another form of acceptance. In my post Acceptance is the First Step I give a couple of tips on how to accept things you cannot change. Acceptance is a focal point of mindfulness. This is another way self-trust ties into mindfulness. Accepting the way, we think and feel about certain situations is part of the journey of self-discovery. When we are able to fully accept who we are self-trust naturally follows.