The Inner Critic - Flipbook - Page 31
4. Practice self-compassion and kindness
If we have grown up hiding parts of ourselves, being able to practice self-compassion and kindness
may appear to be beyond reach. If we are not fully accepting of everything that we are, it is hard to
place enough value on ourselves to be worthy of our own compassion and kindness.
Can we be compassionate with ourselves enough to have the Inner Critic feel less fearful, or to have
ourself feel less judged by the critic?
Many of us know how to extend compassion towards others, sadly not to ourselves, yet it works the
same way.
We know how to listen and to share in the imperfections and suering of others. We know how to
listen from the perspective of another.
We extend help and support, and often without harsh
judgement.
Perhaps take a moment and notice how you do this.
How do you feel inside when you do this? Do your inner thoughts quieten down? Do you breathe
more slowly? Perhaps your heart softens, or something in your tummy lets go.
Maybe consider a person for whom you have recently felt deep compassion and have been moved to
help. Check into a regular calm breathing pattern and then replay the event. What do you notice in
your body?
Or perhaps turn your attention to someone you consider wise, compassionate and caring? Perhaps
someone who has extended compassion to you. Notice sensations in your body, how do you feel?
What do you observe now?
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