Finding Self-Connection in Overstimulation
Reflecting on the dimension ‘Being’
In the IDG framework, Being includes the qualities of self-awareness, inner compass, presence, inner grounding, authenticity, openness, and acceptance. I find this dimension life-changing because it helps build a strong inner foundation to navigate life from. Having a strong sense of self and connection to oneself can impact all other areas of life and resilience.
I notice in my own life that when I feel connected to myself and my own voice, I feel stronger in handling life’s ups and downs. There is an inner courage that comes from that connection, an inner courage I don’t feel when I’m lost in the noise of other people’s voices or opinions.
And these days, it feels very easy to get lost in that noise. Social media often feels like absorbing so many perspectives, criticisms, and interpretations of life all at once. It can become quite overwhelming, and over time it can blur our sense of self.
Whenever I feel disconnected from myself, I notice how many voices I’ve absorbed that aren’t mine. My inner voice becomes harsher, and I catch myself almost performing for an imagined audience in my head.
It takes self-awareness to notice this, and presence to gently return to myself again. Journalling has helped me with this a lot. It allows me to observe my inner world more clearly and begin softening the inner critic into a more compassionate voice.
That compassion has helped me have more grace and understanding to myself and others. It normalises the struggles we all go through as our layered, complex human selves. It brings me closer to humanity and reminds me that I’m not alone in how I feel or struggle. I really believe in Kristen Neff’s theory on compassion, which includes self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness.
These days, I’m also trying to spend less time online. I’m working on embracing boredom and quiet moments with less stimulation. It isn’t easy, especially with how accessible distractions are, but I notice it helps me feel more grounded and centred when I stay with the discomfort instead of avoiding it.
I’m also writing more, and trying to face myself more, and finding peace in silence again. Facing ourselves, with all our fears, anxieties, and worries, is never easy. But I often find that I feel more resilient, present, and courageous when I stop avoiding what I feel and instead allow myself to move through it.
Our emotions are a big part of who we are. I often recall posts I have seen on *** that say ‘sit with it’, cry it out, dance it out, scream it out, process the feelings and emotions. Staying with them, feeling them, is where real connection, growth, and transformation can happen.
In a world that often prioritises speed, ease, and distraction, staying connected to ourselves can feel like act of courage, a return to what is real and human. And I often think that is what we need most to feel connected and strong within ourselves again.
What does your relationship with yourself feel like lately? Have you found yourself struggling with self-connected in the face of social media and overstimulation?
@HeartyAlly
I'm quite content with myself 🩷
And at peace.
I keep my time online to a minimum and make sure that I'm not scrolling anything thats not positive and worthwhile 🥰
@Amanda84 Hi Amanda, thank you so much for your reply. It is great just reading that you feel content and at peace. :) And it sounds really good that you take care of your online time and what content you consume! <3
@HeartyAlly
I struggled with self-acceptance and truly loving myself for a long time. I can't say it was because of social media or an online presence but just growing up being harshly criticized and feeling like I just wasn't good enough. That being said, I feel myself changing now. Being a listener on this site has helped me to show grace and compassion to myself as I am able to show to others. Realizing that my mistakes do not define me and recognizing that I do have plenty of good qualities that I love about myself!
@Karroo6785
Hi Karroo, thank you so much for sharing. Growing up with harsh criticism sounds so intense, and it makes sense why it's been difficult to feel good enough. I am so glad that being a listener here and being in this space has helped you be kinder to yourself, have more compassion, and see yourself in a more balanced light. That is truly amazing and beautiful to hear.💖💖
@HeartyAlly What an insightful post! I really like the idea of how media makes it really hard to be comfortable and confident in ourselves. Some days I find it really difficult to be confident due to comparison, especially now that we have access to so much content of people that look like they have perfect lives. In those days I always try to step outside of my phone and look at my surroundings and realize I am loved and succesful and I deserve to feel confident
@inesllorens
Hi Ines, thank you so much! And thank you so much for sharing. it is so true how hard it can be with social media and comparing ourselves and our lives to others and what we see online, I am really glad you have been able to step away from it, and see your life for what it is, and to see your success, and feel the love you have in your life. It feels so important to have that perspective again when faced with comparisons. 💗💗
@HeartyAlly Your description of social media and the non-stop buzz about what everyone else is saying really resonates with me. In addition, I have found that stepping away from the computer screen, being silent, and journaling helps center me.
@Architak2007 Hey Architak, I am glad it resonated with you. It can be very hard in today's world of non-stop entertainment. It sounds really good that you can step back, sit in silence, and use journalling to re-centre. 💖It feels so important and needed to stay sane and connected to ourselves these days. Thank you for sharing. ✨
@HeartyAlly
What does your relationship with yourself feel like lately? Have you found yourself struggling with self-connected in the face of social media and overstimulation?
It comes with for me accepting a situation for what it is non-judgmentally. Ok, I did not have the tools to navigate X, but taking initiative on to navigate and ask the questions.
When you are gentle towards yourself you don't feel the need to fight or argue or defend anything. You say things with a smile, a laugh and a good sense of humour (that depends of the relationship - for some its overly familiar and for others this is social inclusion).
Courage is at its best when its done with spontaneity - Its not something you've planned to say or do and its more gut instinct!
I notice a pattern that people show more courage when surrounded by their friendship groups vs alone. People tend to be bolder on social media as we cannot assign a face to a username and there is hardly an obvious threat or consequences to being held accountable.
Social media, in terms of appeal for me I do use Youtube ( I dont make content) and make sure to start my day with a good routine. I used to have 7 Cups as an app but found I spent too much time on it and instead keep apps such as outlook to keep myself informed.
