Embracing Your Inner Demons: A Guide to “Feeding Your Demons”

Time and again you might have heard me saying that I am obsessed with podcasting and the #1 reason is the amount of wisdom that I acquire from my guests is incomparable with any other formal degree or certification.

Last week during my conversation with Leonarda Minutillo (aka Magdalena Giovanna Rosa), I was intrigued by the concept that she brought up, i.e. Feed Your Demon. This made me research further and present you as a blog post. Those who know me well are very much aware that I always try to teach my learnings to people around me because sharing is caring and the more I share, the more I LEARN.

In this post, I want to explain to you about “Feeding Your Demons” concept. In case you know about it already, you may add your perspective in the form of comments and also share your experiences and I would appreciate it!

Let’s dive into a fascinating concept called “ feeding your demons .” It might sound a bit intense at first, but bear with me because this idea is all about confronting and transforming our inner struggles.

In this context, “demons” refer to our internal fears, doubts, and emotional wounds.

They’re the negative thoughts and feelings that often hold us back or cause us pain. These demons can take various forms self-doubt, fear of failure, anger, or past traumas. Essentially, they’re anything that disrupts our peace of mind and happiness.

Typically, we’re taught to fight or suppress these demons. We try to ignore them, push them away, or drown them out with distractions. However, this often leads to more suffering and unresolved issues.

The concept of “feeding your demons” comes from a unique Tibetan Buddhist practice known as Chöd. Instead of battling these inner adversaries, we invite them to tea, so to speak. This means facing them head-on, acknowledging their presence, and listening to what they have to say.

Identify Your Demons: Start by recognizing and naming your inner struggles. What are you grappling with?

Is it fear, shame, or something else?

Invite Them In: Rather than pushing these feelings away, create a safe space within yourself to acknowledge and welcome them. This can be done through meditation or quiet reflection.

Listen and Understand: Once your demons are “at the table,” listen to what they have to say.

What are they trying to communicate?

What needs are not being met?

Offer Compassion: Instead of reacting with fear or hostility, respond with compassion. Understand that these demons are parts of yourself that are hurting and in need of healing.

Transformative Ritual: In the Chöd practice, after acknowledging and understanding your demons, you offer them what they truly need-whether it’s comfort, acceptance, or forgiveness.

This transforms the relationship with your inner struggles from one of conflict to one of healing and growth.

Now comes the actual question, Why should you Feed Your Demons?

Feeding your demons is about reclaiming your power over your inner landscape. By facing and embracing these challenging emotions, you can learn from them and ultimately integrate them into a healthier, more balanced self.

It’s a profound act of self-love and self-acceptance.

In essence, feeding your demons is a powerful metaphor for inner transformation. It’s a reminder that our struggles are not to be feared but understood and embraced.

By cultivating compassion and courage, we can turn our demons into allies on the path to personal growth and healing.

Have you ever tried “feeding your demons” in your own life?

What did you learn from the experience?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Let’s support each other on this journey of self-discovery and inner peace.

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Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.