The Inner Critic Spiral
Learn how the inner critic forms and how to soften it.
The Tension of Always Monitoring Yourself
The tension of always monitoring yourself feels like responsibility.
Gauges check tone, timing, impact.
Nothing catastrophic is happening, yet the system remains vigilant.
This monitoring once prevented harm.
Now it prevents rest.
Seeing the gauges reveals how much is already being carried.
Recognize self-surveillance with DojoWell.
Explore DojowellFrom Art to Science
Articles exploring the psychology behind these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I constantly "monitoring" myself even when I'm alone?
You are experiencing "Self-Monitoring Tension." This is the Status & Control system acting as an internal "policeman." It stays active to ensure you don't do anything that might lead to a future "shame event." Naming this constant monitoring as a form of "internal surveillance" helps you recognize it as a source of chronic fatigue. It’s an energy-leak that prevents your nervous system from ever reaching a state of true settlement.
How do I "fire" the internal policeman?
You "deprioritize the report." When you notice the monitor checking your posture, thoughts, or actions, say: "The monitor is active; no action is required." You don't have to stop the monitoring, you just have to stop obeying it. As you repeatedly ignore the monitor's "corrections," the system realizes it’s not being used and the tension eventually begins to down-regulate.