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

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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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Are you ready to transform negative whispers into
empowering affirmations throughthe divine blend of scripture
and scent?
Tune in to today's show todiscover how you can conquer
that relentless inner critic andembrace true spiritual mastery
with an empowering techniquedeveloped by clinical
psychologist, Dr Benjamin Perkus.

(00:21):
Are you finding it challengingto maintain your spiritual
practices or yearning for a morepeaceful, God-aligned day?
I'm Paula and I've been theretoo.
Balancing spiritual habits witha busy life can be difficult.
I longed for a deeperconnection with God but
struggled with consistency.
Then I found the perfectapproach.
If you seek simple ways todeepen your connection with God,

(00:44):
this podcast is for you.
Before we get started, I'd liketo give a shout out to Sara E
Moreira.
She writes, "So helpful andmotivating.
This podcast is a must listenfor anyone wanting to grow
closer to God.
I found it very overwhelming attimes while walking on this
journey.
The guidance and tips given onthis podcast are so great.

(01:05):
I highly recommend listening.
" Thank you for that wonderfulreview, Sara.
I appreciate you.
If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it.
On Apple Podcasts, simplyscroll down to the five-star
rating section and click onleave a review.
If you're using a PC, open theiTunes app and you'll find the

(01:25):
link near the top.
Share your thoughts with ustoday and your review could be
showcased on one of our upcomingepisodes.
What a joy it is for me to hearfrom our listeners.
When I first began my seminarywork while serving two church
congregations full-time,everyone assumed I had my daily
devotional time perfectlyorganized.

(01:45):
But, truth be told, there weremornings I could barely find
five minutes to catch my breath,let alone dive into deep
reflection.
One day, as I rushed out thedoor with mismatched shoes, I
realized that even in my chaosthere was a lesson.
We're all just doing our bestin this journey of faith, a
beautiful work in progress.

(02:06):
Embracing God's grace andself-forgiveness, I realized
that true success in mydevotional life requires
prioritizing my spiritualpractices.
Hey sister, do you want to comeand hang out with a group of
faith-filled women who are on amission to maintain consistent
spiritual practices so that theytoo can be a guiding light for
Jesus?

(02:26):
In our group, you'll get tipsthat will transform your
devotional routines into fun andjoy-filled moments, plus early
bird access to special offers.
And the best part is that youcan ask your questions inside
the community.
Come join Biblical BoundariesFor Women .com (no spaces).
Alright, it's time to getstarted.

(02:55):
Grab your Bible, dust off yourjournal and cozy up to your
favorite beverage and let's divein.
As I stepped into retirementafter years of serving as a
pastor, I found myself at acrossroads, seeking the next
chapter God had planned for me.
I sensed a deep calling tocontinue serving, but the path
forward was not yet clear.
During my Aroma FreedomTechnique certification training
, I experienced a significantemotional breakthrough.

(03:17):
This transformative journeygently removed the layers of old
wounds from my time as a pastor, fostering healing and clarity
as I let go of the negativecharge of certain memories.
It was as if a veil (that hadbeen unknowingly clouding my
vision) was finally lifted,revealing a clear path for my

(03:38):
new adventure, and that's what Iwant for you too.
It is my prayer that I can be asource of inspiration, not only
through podcasting, but alsothrough my online Aroma Freedom
coaching program for Christianwomen.
I am so blessed that God hasprovided the training and
expertise needed to help you,too, uncover the purpose and

(04:01):
meaning you've been searchingfor.
Today's episode is going to beespecially useful for those who
are looking to tackle and managethose persistent little
negative voices that want to sowdoubt and fear in their heart.
We all have that little voice,don't we?
The one that whispersinsidiously, planting seeds of

(04:21):
doubt and fear.
It lurks in the shadows of ourconsciousness, manifesting as
insecurity and self-doubt.
It's that voice that questionsour worth, our talents and even
our faith.
Navigating life with thisconstant internal dialogue can
feel like a daunting task.
However, the Bible provides uswith timeless wisdom on managing

(04:45):
our thoughts and setting ourboundaries that are both mental
and spiritual.
Before diving into techniquesand managing negative thoughts,
it's crucial to first understandthis internal voice.
Often referred to as the innercritic, this voice is a
collection of doubts andinsecurities that have
accumulated over time.

(05:06):
It critiques, undermines andfrequently plays the role of the
naysayer.
However, the true problemarises when we let this negative
voice define our actions andbeliefs.
The Bible speaks of the powerof the mind and cautions us to
guard our thoughts diligently.
In the King James Version ofProverbs, 23: 7, we hear, "For

(05:29):
as he thinks in his heart, so ishe.
" Our thoughts have the profoundability to shape not only our
perception but our reality.
Therefore, understanding andcontrolling our thoughts is
essential for achievingspiritual and emotional
well-being.

In 2 Corinthians, 10 (05:44):
5, we're encouraged to take captive every
thought to make it obedient toChrist.
This verse is a call to notonly recognize the negative
voice, but to actively manageand overcome it.
But how do we set theseall-important mental and
spiritual boundaries?
Let's delve into the steps thatcan help us reclaim control of

(06:08):
our minds and our spirituallives.
The first step in overcomingnegative thoughts is awareness.
Simply put, you cannot changewhat you do not acknowledge.
Begin by paying attention toyour thoughts throughout the day
.
Are they uplifting or are theytearing you down?
Keep a journal of recurringnegative thoughts.

(06:29):
This practice can providevaluable insight into patterns
that fuel your inner critic.
Once you've identified negativepatterns, it's time to question
their validity.
Are these thoughts based onfactual events or hypothetical
fears?
Challenge the accuracy of yourthoughts and seek evidence that
can either confirm or deny them.

(06:51):
Often, you'll find that manyfears are unfounded, serving
only to hinder your happinessand growth.
Scripture provides powerfultruths that can replace our
negative thinking.
For instance, when plagued withthoughts of inadequacy,

remember Philippians 4 (07:05):
13, which says, "I can do all things
through Christ, who strengthensme.
Replacing negative thoughtswith positive affirmations
grounded in truth can help pavethe way toward mental
transformation.
Creating mental and spiritualboundaries is essential for
maintaining a healthy, positivemindset.

(07:27):
Guard your mind by beingselective about the media you
consume, the conversations youengage in, and the environments
you frequent.
Surround yourself withpositivity, people who uplift
and encourage, and content thatinspires and instills peace.
Meditation and prayer are vitalpractices for fostering a
peaceful and centered mind.

(07:47):
Take time each day to meditateon scripture and spend quiet
moments in prayer.
Meditation in particular, helpsto clear the mind of clutter
and focuses thoughts on whatmatters most.
While the mind and spirit arecentral, physical aids like
essential oils can complementyour journey to mental mastery.
Young Living offers a range ofessential oils that promote

(08:09):
mental clarity and emotionalwell-being.
Consider incorporating theseoils into your routine to anchor
yourself during meditation orjournaling.
Now let's move on to biblicalboundaries and the part they
play in getting rid of thosemenacing, little negative
thoughts and feelings.
Biblical boundaries can belikened to spiritual scaffolding

(08:32):
that helps us create afortified mind.
They are the lines we draw toprotect our inner peace and
align our actions with God'swill.
What does setting a boundarylook like biblically?

Well, Proverbs 4 (08:40):
23 tells us, "Above all else.
Guard your heart, foreverything you do flows from it.
" This teaches us that what weinternalize affects our outward
actions.
Guarding your heart is aboundary that protects against

the enemies of the soul (08:57):
doubt, anxiety and insecurity.
1 Corinthians 3:1 6 reinforcesthis by reminding us that our
bodies are the temple of God'sHoly Spirit.
By taking responsibility forour own emotional and spiritual
health, we create a space wherenegativity cannot easily intrude
.

(09:18):
Many believers struggle to setboundaries because of a
misinterpretation of love andkindness.
We sometimes equate being agood Christian with being
perpetually open and accessible,often leaving us vulnerable to
negative influences.
However, even Jesus took timeto withdraw and recharge,

(09:39):
aligning his will with theFathers'.
This teaches us that settingboundaries is an act of
obedience, allowing us to servemore effectively in our calling.
Okay, so here are a fewpractical steps to establishing
boundaries.
Begin with seeking God'sdiscernment.
Ask for wisdom in identifyingwhere boundaries are needed.

(10:00):
Use the Word to affirm yourboundaries.
Memorize verses that help youkeep the negative voice at bay.
Engage in a trusted communitythat honors and respects your
boundaries.
Like-minded believers canprovide encouragement and
accountability.
At this point, you might bewondering how aromas fit into

(10:21):
setting biblical boundaries andovercoming that negative voice.
Well, that's where the limbicsystem comes in.
The limbic system is a part ofour brain responsible for
emotions, feelings and memories.
Aromas, due to their directconnection with the olfactory
senses, have a profound impacton this system.

(10:42):
When we use specific, naturaland pure scents, as God created
them, when we use theseintentionally, they can support
mood regulation, stressreduction and build resilience
against negative thoughts.
And here's the secret sauce.
It's called the Aroma FreedomTechnique, created by a clinical

(11:03):
psychologist, Dr BenjaminPerkus.
Aroma Freedom is a techniquethat combines the essential oils
with focused reflection,helping dissolve negative
thoughts and creating mentalclarity for better boundary
setting.
It's a practice that invitesthe Holy Spirit to work through
these God-given naturalresources, allowing our minds to

(11:24):
align more closely withChrist-like thinking.
I'm talking to Dr Perkus rightnow to see if we can get him to
come on a future episode toexplain it more fully.
Won't that be exciting?
There are also a few other waysyou can benefit from the aromas
on your own.
Incorporating aromas duringyour prayer time can deepen your

(11:45):
relaxation and create a sacredspace where you feel God's
presence profoundly.
Or use them while you'rejournaling, as you're writing
down your thoughts use scents toignite inspiration, clarity and
positivity.
Write down prayers, boundariesand victories over negativity,
as you breathe in the wonderfularomas that God has created for

(12:07):
you.
You can even use these aromasin worship.
Diffusing specific aromasduring worship can elevate your
experience, helping you feelmore present and attuned to
God's voice, over that negativeone.
Now you might think.
Well, my church already usesscents throughout the sanctuary.
However, there's a differencebetween lab-produced fragrances

(12:28):
and natural aromas made by Godto enhance our well-being.
Two completely differentstories and a whole other
podcast episode for another time.
Okay, so let's touch on somehighlights from today's
discussion.
First, we explored theall-too-familiar inner critic
that casts doubt and fear,impacting our perception of

(12:51):
self-worth, talents and faith.
We delved into the pervasivechallenge of this inner critic
and how a biblical mindsetoffers guidance rooted in God's
Word.
This voice of doubt andinsecurity can significantly
influence our actions andbeliefs, yet the Bible provides
wisdom on overcoming it.

Proverbs 23 (13:09):
7 and 2 Corinthians 10
the importance of managing ourthoughts and aligning them with
truth.
We explored practical stepslike maintaining awareness,
journaling negative patterns andchallenging the validity of
these thoughts.
Replacing negativity withscriptural affirmations,

(13:30):
establishing mental andspiritual boundaries and
engaging in meditation andprayer are also emphasized.
We learned about essential oilsto support this journey by
promoting relaxation and clarity, and how, when actively
managing thoughts, we cantransform our mental and
spiritual well-being, achievingpeace and positivity.

(13:51):
We delved into the concept ofbiblical boundaries, which
serves as spiritual scaffolding,helping align our minds with
God's will while protecting ourinner peace.
Scriptures like Proverbs 4:2 3and 1 Corinthians 3.
1 6 emphasize the importance ofguarding our hearts and taking
responsibility for our emotionaland spiritual health.

(14:12):
Here's the thing.
Struggles with boundary settingoften stem from misconstrued
notions of love and kindness,leaving us overly exposed.
Yet setting boundaries is anact of obedience modeled even by
Jesus, who often withdrew forpersonal renewal.

(14:33):
Practical steps include prayerfor discernment, spiritual
affirmations and communitysupport.
We also touched on the role ofaromas in engaging the limbic
system, which influencesemotions and memory.
By using essential oil likethose featured in the Aroma
Freedom Technique, we can aidmood regulation and boundary

(14:54):
setting, while inviting the HolySpirit to guide us.
Integrating aromas intobiblical practices can enhance
prayer, journaling and worship,creating a heightened sense of
God's presence and reinforcingmental fortitude against
negative voices.
Through these holisticstrategies, you can forge
stronger boundaries and alignmore closely with a

(15:15):
Christ-centered mindset.
You know, in a world filledwith distractions and doubt, the
journey to mastering ourthoughts may not always be
straightforward, however, bycommitting to practices that
align our minds with biblicaltruths, we can overcome our

(15:38):
inner critic.
Remember you have the power,through the indwelling Holy
Spirit, to take every thoughtcaptive and redirect your mental
focus to what uplifts andserves your highest good.
As we grow in the ability todissolve that negative voice,
our lives will abundantlyreflect the peace promised
through obedience to Christ.

(15:58):
Just as God created captivatingaromas to calm and uplift our
spirits and to work within thelimbic system to release that
negative charge of memories andemotions, so too has he provided
strength in his Word for ouremotional and spiritual
fortitude.
So the next time that littlenegative voice tries to become

(16:20):
too loud, remind yourself ofwhat God has provided for you.
With these tools, you will beequipped to silence the noise,
embrace your worth andconfidently walk in faith for
Christ.
Thank you for tuning in today.
And remember, just like settingbiblical boundaries, it's okay

(16:42):
to say "no" to things that don'tserve you well, like that third
piece of cake at the churchpotluck.
If you enjoyed this episode, wewould truly appreciate it if
you would take just a fewmoments to follow the show and
leave a review.
Also, don't forget to become apart of our community on
Facebook at Biblical BoundariesFor Women .com (no spaces).

(17:06):
Be sure to check the show notesfor all the links.
Join us next week as wecontinue to discover how to live
on purpose in Christ.
Until then, keep leaning intoHim and walking in His wisdom.
See you next time.