-By Dr. Daniel L. Hollar PhD in Clinical Psychology
Mental slavery is a term used to describe a state in which an individual is limited or captive to their own way of thinking, beliefs, or societal norms. In this state, an individual may feel restricted or enslaved by their own mind, unable to break free and think independently. Mental slavery often arises from social and cultural conditioning, and it may affect your ability to make your own decisions, think critically, or express your own ideas.
Here are some ways to free yourself from mental slavery:
1. Identify the source of your restrictive thoughts: To free yourself from mental slavery, it's important to understand where your limiting beliefs come from. Consider whether they stem from personal experiences or social conditioning, and examine how they affect your behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
2. Challenge your beliefs: Once you’ve identified the thoughts that are restricting you, challenge them with critical thinking. Look for evidence that contradicts your beliefs, and consider alternative viewpoints.
3. Expand your knowledge and experiences: One way to break free from mental slavery is to expose yourself to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives. Read books, travel, or participate in activities that challenge your beliefs and broaden your horizons.
4. Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with people who inspire, motivate and support you. This can help you adopt a positive outlook on life and help protect from the negative beliefs and attitudes that may hold you back.
5. Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or other mindfulness practices. Mindfulness can help you become more attentive and self-aware, which is crucial to breaking free from mental slavery.
6. Seek professional help: Consider seeking out professional help such as therapy or counseling. A trained therapist can help you identify the roots of your limiting beliefs and provide support, guidance, and tools to help you break free.
Breaking free from mental slavery is a gradual, ongoing process. These are just some of the strategies you can use to begin the process of freeing yourself from limiting and restrictive thoughts that may be holding you back.
For more on this topic I refer to you the works of the "Crown Prince" of African/Black Psychology, Dr. Na'im Akbar, particularly his book "Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery".
-By Dr. Daniel L. Hollar PhD in Clinical Psychology