Softening Your Inner Critic

Welcome.

Let's start with a deep,

Slow,

Loving breath.

Let each breath surround,

Fill,

And comfort your heart.

With each exhale,

Gently release the tension and suffering that come from judging.

Judging yourself.

Judging others.

Judging the things beyond your control.

You may have noticed how judgment simplifies.

How it shuts the door on understanding.

How it creates separation and is fueled by self-righteousness.

But now,

Feel what happens when you realize you have the freedom to step back from judgmental thoughts.

You don't have to engage.

Imagine yourself standing on a high bluff,

Gazing out over the ocean.

Every thought is like a gust of wind and salt spray.

Sometimes refreshing.

Sometimes strong enough to test your balance.

But it's just wind.

You don't have to respond emotionally to each gust,

Because if you do,

You just might miss the sunset.

You are not your thoughts.

You are not your judgments.

You are the one who notices.

And in that noticing,

There is peace,

Power,

And the clarity to see for miles.

Let this noticing be your refuge.

I invite you to set this intention.

Whenever I am tempted to judge,

I will step back and just notice.

Rest here for as long as you like,

And when you return,

Carry this peace with you.

If you found this helpful,

There's more depth waiting in the upcoming course,

Finding Serenity.

I'd love to have you with me.