The Self-Critic
The best ways to skillfully counteract our self-criticism are to:
- Understand it: Part of our self-protection system. i.e. if we self-criticize ourself before someone else does, it does not feel so bad.
- Accept our common humanity: Our inner critic cycles are not of our own choosing. They are natural human qualities conditioned by our culture, environment and family.
- Bring in the compassionate observer
- Replace our inner critic with a kind response