Thank you, Sebene! I have been working with my inner critic a little bit & your words resonate. I like the idea of naming them and being curious, loving towards them. Happy full moon 🌝
Yes, it made me curious, what would I name my critics? One definitely has a very go, go, go vibe. Feels masculine. I'd never thought about that before!
Dear Sebene, five years ago I participated in your and Brian LePage's retreat on spiritual cultural bypassing at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. At the time of the retreat my slightly younger sister had just died, and that was the water I was swimming in. I felt so held up -- sustained -- repaired by each moment and each person of the retreat. Additionally it was one of very few conversations I've been in about race and culture where the conversation didn't get stuck and stay stuck, whether in a place of cluelessness or righteousness. Somehow we were able to stay curious and honest and kind and brave and more curious, and the structure of the class and the humble and wise way you and Brian carried leadership of the group had a lot to do w how that unfolded.
All of which is to say, thank you, thank you, and thank you again! And I'm also appreciating your blog.
Hi Tory! Thank you for this reflection. I’m moved by all you’ve shared. And honored that we held that space for you. Honestly that particular retreat did not always run as smoothly as you describe. It was always a bit messy which was fine but sometimes the messy was a LOT which was also fine but harder to clean up. I’m glad you felt held and supported by us and the group. Thanks again for sharing! 💓💓💓
I really love this concept of giving your inner critics names and externalizing them a bit like characters. I wonder if meditation helps strengthen our observing minds to do this? Sharing this Jungian podcast that might interest you maybe you already know it, sorry if it’s redundant. 💕 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-jungian-life-podcast/id1376929139?i=1000649950249
I do think meditation helps. Even more so mindfulness. We can’t undo what we don’t see! Thanks for the link. I do follow that podcast and really like it. 💓🫶🏾💓
Thank you, Sebene! This was an incredibly spot-on essay. It felt like you were speaking to me personally. My inner critic rules me, alas. But your words give me hope.
Always good to shed light on the inner critic who sometimes, in my head, operates in the dark. ALSO, I love love your new website -- so bright, beautiful and welcoming🌕!
Thank you so much for sharing, this resonated extremely with me … I have been really trying to figure out who it is in me that makes me set my boundaries towards myself (not to anyone else) in the ways I express myself to communicate what I want and need. I dort of have a clue that it is definitely part of my mother in myself that is criticizing me and influencing how I behave and see myself doing life. It’s hard to acknowledge that and work through it, especially when I see her and she has so much power over me (we have a good relation ship now but our relationship has been complicated). I will write one day about it.
Loved this meditation so much. Most of all, a little shockingly, my inner critic relaxed when I stopped criticizing her or asking her to change. Thank you!
Shira! Love this. This weekend, I heard a friend share about treating her anxiety like a queen... imagining her on a throne and even worshiping her. I think these counterintuitive strategies work because fundamentally every single cell within us simply longs for love.
Thank you, Sebene! I have been working with my inner critic a little bit & your words resonate. I like the idea of naming them and being curious, loving towards them. Happy full moon 🌝
Curious to hear how it goes! 🩵
Yes, it made me curious, what would I name my critics? One definitely has a very go, go, go vibe. Feels masculine. I'd never thought about that before!
Looking forward to hearing the name! ❣️
Me too!
Dear Sebene, five years ago I participated in your and Brian LePage's retreat on spiritual cultural bypassing at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. At the time of the retreat my slightly younger sister had just died, and that was the water I was swimming in. I felt so held up -- sustained -- repaired by each moment and each person of the retreat. Additionally it was one of very few conversations I've been in about race and culture where the conversation didn't get stuck and stay stuck, whether in a place of cluelessness or righteousness. Somehow we were able to stay curious and honest and kind and brave and more curious, and the structure of the class and the humble and wise way you and Brian carried leadership of the group had a lot to do w how that unfolded.
All of which is to say, thank you, thank you, and thank you again! And I'm also appreciating your blog.
Peace,
Tory
Hi Tory! Thank you for this reflection. I’m moved by all you’ve shared. And honored that we held that space for you. Honestly that particular retreat did not always run as smoothly as you describe. It was always a bit messy which was fine but sometimes the messy was a LOT which was also fine but harder to clean up. I’m glad you felt held and supported by us and the group. Thanks again for sharing! 💓💓💓
💕☺️🙏🏼
I really love this concept of giving your inner critics names and externalizing them a bit like characters. I wonder if meditation helps strengthen our observing minds to do this? Sharing this Jungian podcast that might interest you maybe you already know it, sorry if it’s redundant. 💕 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-jungian-life-podcast/id1376929139?i=1000649950249
I do think meditation helps. Even more so mindfulness. We can’t undo what we don’t see! Thanks for the link. I do follow that podcast and really like it. 💓🫶🏾💓
Thank you, Sebene! This was an incredibly spot-on essay. It felt like you were speaking to me personally. My inner critic rules me, alas. But your words give me hope.
Sovereignty from the critics! 💓😂💓
Always good to shed light on the inner critic who sometimes, in my head, operates in the dark. ALSO, I love love your new website -- so bright, beautiful and welcoming🌕!
💓🙏🏾💓
Thank you so much for sharing, this resonated extremely with me … I have been really trying to figure out who it is in me that makes me set my boundaries towards myself (not to anyone else) in the ways I express myself to communicate what I want and need. I dort of have a clue that it is definitely part of my mother in myself that is criticizing me and influencing how I behave and see myself doing life. It’s hard to acknowledge that and work through it, especially when I see her and she has so much power over me (we have a good relation ship now but our relationship has been complicated). I will write one day about it.
Please write about this and everything!
Thanks for reading. 💙
You are my North Star for moving forward in my process for an authentic me. Bless you for caring for us. 🙏❤️🌺
Oh Jane. That’s so kind and let’s all be north stars for ourselves and each other… right back into our own perfect hearts! 🌟💘🌟
I needed to read this, this morning! Thank you again Sebene ❤️
I also appreciated how the skies opened up with water, thunder and lightning as soon as this offering appeared, magic and mystery, always.✨
Much Love to you. 💕🙏
Wash away the critics! LOL. xox
🙌 Yes!!!
Sitting this morning with the Inner Critic -> Inner Champion field
YAAAS!
Loved this meditation so much. Most of all, a little shockingly, my inner critic relaxed when I stopped criticizing her or asking her to change. Thank you!
Shira! Love this. This weekend, I heard a friend share about treating her anxiety like a queen... imagining her on a throne and even worshiping her. I think these counterintuitive strategies work because fundamentally every single cell within us simply longs for love.
Thank you for being such an amazing person. You and Jeff Warren are my two favorite meditation teachers. I hope to join one of your retreats with Dan.
Thank you for being the new voice in my head! LOL But, seriosuly, thank you for the kind words Ian. xox
Thank you for this lovely meditation.
Thanks for listening Stacey! xox