Is Your Inner Critic Running the Show?
The inner critic: we all have one, but for some, it can become a dominant voice, casting shadows of doubt, insecurity, and self-judgment. Instead of seeing it as an enemy, what if we could go beyond the battle and approach it differently?
What Are the Origins of the Inner Critic?
Our inner critic often arises from early conditioning, experiences where we learned to judge ourselves in response to external expectations. These voices might not even be our own—they could be echoes of authority figures, societal expectations, or cultural pressures. So, whose voice is it that we hear?
Accept or Fight?
The common instinct is to fight the inner critic, but what happens when we do? It can become a never-ending struggle, creating more tension. Rather than battling it, can we accept it as part of our psyche? Does it serve any value, and is it ever truly telling the full story? Perhaps it’s just another reality tunnel—a lens through which we view the world, but one that doesn’t define who we are.
Why Is the Body Important?
The inner critic doesn’t just operate in the mind—it manifests in the body. Where do you feel the tension or contraction when it becomes active? What happens when you shift your awareness from the critical thoughts to your bodily sensations? Can you create space to observe, breathe, and allow the critic to loosen its grip?
When Is It a Problem, and How Do We Work With It?
The inner critic becomes problematic when it stops us from moving forward or traps us in negative thinking loops. But it also has a purpose—it may be trying to protect us, even if misguided. By understanding its origins and integrating those parts of ourselves, we can approach it with empathy.
Self-Compassion as a Way of Being
How can we cultivate self-compassion in the face of self-criticism? Think about moments when you’ve shown compassion to others. Can you extend that same understanding, patience, and encouragement to yourself? Compassion is not just an act; it’s a mindset, a way of being that offers us permission to be human.
Practices for Working with the Inner Critic
- Redirect attention into the body: Practice being present with your body. How is your state of consciousness influencing your thoughts? What’s happening in your body right now?
- Somatic and psycho-spiritual practices: Meditation, journaling, and movement, such as walking in nature, can shift your energy and give clarity. Remember, clarity often arises when we move into the body, away from overthinking.
- Compassionate Support: Seek out compassionate people who can model self-compassion for you. Surround yourself with those who support your journey.
Understanding the Inner Critic’s Purpose
When we imagine that the inner critic is trying to serve a purpose, often it’s about keeping us safe, maintaining the status quo, or avoiding perceived threats. But this protective strategy may no longer serve us. How can we shift from repeating patterns that connect to feelings of inadequacy to recognising that these patterns are outdated and no longer aligned with our authentic selves?
Moving Forward
In moments of low energy or mood, the inner critic can seem especially loud. Negative thinking tends to surface, but by redirecting attention into the body and practicing grounded presence, we can dissolve old thought patterns. Remind yourself that clarity, peace, and alignment are found when we reconnect with our true self, not by engaging with every thought the critic throws our way.
What support do you need in working with your inner critic? How can you develop self-compassion as an ongoing process?