Yesterday, I was riding the early morning city bus in a blizzard. It was rush-hour-jammed — to the brim. Typically Montreal.
Damn, is she HOT.
Paul, she's too young for you.
Ya think? Nah... I'm in her range.
Dude, take a look in the mirror and get real.
You might be right.
Stop looking at her.
OK. I will. Stop nagging me.
You're going to miss your stop.
Relax. Don't panic.
Move towards the doors already.
Gotcha.
Paul, is this your first time on a city bus?
Why do people smell funny? Some schmuck had garlic for breakfast.
Paul, start heading towards the doors.
I'm just going to make eye contact with her one last time.
Don't be a creep. Leave her alone.
Yeah. You're right.
Oh, for fuck's sake, Paul, you missed your stop.
Did I? Shit. I DID. Thanks for your help.
You'll never learn, will you? Asshole.
My "inner monologue" and I have conversations like that ALL the time about anything and everything. Occasionally, We'll have those discussions out loud. Thankfully, no one is within earshot, or they might think I'm crazy.
I'll also play back songs in my head, fully orchestrated, by the way.
It turns out there are about 30 to 50 percent of people who regularly think to themselves in internal monologues. Inner or "private" speech is something most of us likely did as very young people seeking to develop our language skills. Later, it was a way of rehearsing information to successfully encode and retain working memory. Some of us, use that "inner voice" to filter written and spoken words. An inner monologue is functional and not a sign of a mental disorder.
However, it's important to note that inner monologues — can fuel anxious minds. Continuously scanning for intrusive ruminations and thoughts can lead to a brooding and highly critical talk about self and others. If one is not careful, the chatter from one's "inner critic" can take over and produce potentially corrosive results.
What if you have NO inner monologue?
Researchers note that approximately five to ten percent of all people experience total silence. That doesn't mean your brain is empty. You are probably processing information visually rather than with words.
"Different strokes for different folks."
... a path in a park... not far from my place...
When I finally arrived home and walked into the living room, I noticed something lying on the floor.
What's that strange piece of black plastic?
I don't know.
It looks like it broke off something, but what?
I have no fucking clue.
Well, look around.
I am, but I can't find where it fits. I should just throw it out.
No. For fuck's sake. Keep it.
Keep it?
Yeah. Better save it in the junk drawer.
For how long?
Until you find out what it came from, or until our next of kin figure it out.
I enjoy my self-talk, for the most part. Heck, if I didn't have my inner monologue to keep me company, it would be way too fricken quiet in there.
And seriously? I could use all the friends I can get.🤗
Do you have an active inner monologue?
Does it help or hinder you in your day?
... this is probably what that woman in the bus looked like about to take a warm bath...
... i often enjoy moments... without any chattering voices ...
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22 comments
My inner monologue is a chatterbox and often bitchy. She pushes me all day to accomplish more. The bonus is I get a lot done and I stay on top of details. If I get that inner bitch near moving water or windmills, she gets realllll quiet. I like that.
Hugs!!
Mine has a game plan ready the moment I wake up. Sheesh... 😂
So true... about water and its calming effect. 🤗
Love the fishing photo on the lake. Even in solitude and away from the noise of every day life, my inner monologue never stops. I usually write them out here though.Gives them a voice outside of my mind at least. xoxo
Water and parks will always silence my voice.
I'm glad to hear that other's inner monologue isn't the only one that doesn't stop. 😂
I do have an inner voice. It's kinda like this ...
Yep, limited vocabulary and very talkative when I want to go to sleep!
Epic. Thanks, I needed that.
Funny and creative stuff.😂👍💕
... I had to comment twice because I watched it twice and laughed twice...
seriously messed up 😂
@Paulxx001 I may be in a slump with creative posting but thank goodness I can still crank out some good comments!
@superbjversion2
Yep... true.💕
All that's missing is people who can read and have a sense of humour.
FFS... I just watched it a third time. 😂
Very few here would get it. Or would they?
@Paulxx001 I watch it again, every time you comment!
The good ole days of SNL.
Yes have inner monologuing. Glad it dosent pop outward. Depends on the day. Rarely sclience
Warm baths usually a good thing
@bignicktx
True, on both counts. 👍
It's hard for me to imagine it being silent up there, but I accept that way is normal too.
One of the things I like about yoga, or really any group exercise class where you have to follow an instructor, is that it shuts up my inner voice for a while.
My chatterbox voice tries to order me around all day. Lol... 😂
Yoga.
I'll have to agree and figure out a way. 👍
I've heard meditation is another method to silence thoughts.
Your explanation of the cognitive processes involved and how some people experience total silence is quite enlightening. It's reassuring to know that both inner dialogue and a lack of it are perfectly normal and functional.
Your point about the potential for inner monologues to fuel anxiety is important to consider. It's a reminder to be mindful of our thoughts and strive for a balanced perspective. Embracing our unique ways of thinking can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
My "inner critic" occasionally gets the better of me: I have to reel him in and change HIS mindset.
Do you have an inner voice? 🙂
@Paulxx001 No, I don’t. It’s why I usually think before I speak. As I have said before:
Actions have consequences.
Spoken words cannot be unheard.
Written words cannot be unseen.
@sexyldy1000
My hope is that memories fade... 😶
@sexyldy1000
People forgive, don't they?
Or do they just move on: judgment made?
@Paulxx001 My mother used to say she could forgive but not forget.
My "inner monologue" is one of my most trusted allies.
Many times, HE is more logical than me.
At other moments, his advice has gotten us both — into trouble.😶
... click ANY of the attached pics... for a full-screen view...
I see you have a preference for black and white photos! Join the club!
Less intrusive and more provocative.
Yep... I like it.
Glad to know there are others with a similar appreciation.
I am in the 5 to 10% .Think mine on a permanent holiday. lol...lucky guy,
Occasionally, I could use the silence. 😶
And he IS lucky. 🤗
My inner monologue: "Don’t say anything weird."
Me: "Okay, but I’ve never been more aware of my weirdness than right now."
My inner monologue doesn't always succeed in filtering my dialogue. 😲😂
Interesting love it
Happy to oblige. 👍
@Paulxx001 all of us have this monologue it's expression of happy life.. conservations in bus too.. it's amazing feeling
SEXY 😍
Agree...🔥
Thanks for popping in.
Yes, I often have inner monologues, and they help me a lot in making decisions... though not necessarily the right ones.
My inner voice does likewise. I think we're breaking even. 💕
You've always made the right ones for you.
@Paulxx001 Well, not always, but thank you for trusting my judgment. 😉😘