How Can I Tame My Inner Critic?
Learn to calm emotional reactions, manage stress, have self-compassion
As we embark on this transformative journey, it’s essential to acknowledge the emotions that may arise as you explore your inner self. Engaging in self-discovery can stir up unexpected feelings, and that’s perfectly normal.
We like to refer to this as “the resistance”. It likes to show up when you are stepping out of your “normal” patterns.
The amygdala, often referred to as the "lizard brain," plays a significant role in our self-preservation and fight-or-flight response. This part of our brain resists change, clinging to familiar patterns. Studies show that humans repeat around 93% of the same actions daily due to this instinctive mechanism.
When you begin this journey, your amygdala might become active—like waking a sleeping dragon—manifesting as fear or anxiety to keep you in your comfort zone. While it’s trying to protect you, remember that discomfort means you are breaking free of unconscious behaviour and taking control. Self-discovery is about making intentional choices regarding the behaviours and beliefs you want to keep while gently letting go of what no longer serves you.
You’ll learn to use new tools that empower you to thrive in your daily life. Each experience is an opportunity to choose what resonates with you. Just as you can’t appreciate warmth without experiencing cold, you’ll gain clarity about your preferences through contrast.
Your inner critic—whether you refer to it as your amygdala, dragon, or something else—may try to hold you back with familiar fears. Acknowledge its intent to keep you safe and kindly set it aside, affirming, “I’ve got this, thank you!”
To start your journey, we will harmonize your rhythms through meditation and relaxation, preparing your mind and body for each day. This practice will help you disengage from your fight-or-flight response.
Creating space between stimulus and response is crucial. By pausing, you can gain greater awareness and mastery over your reactions, paving the way for personal growth. Identifying and releasing blocked energy will guide you from fear-based states to empowerment.
As we delve into the 21 day mindfulness practices, embrace this exploration with curiosity and an open heart. You’re about to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
"The only journey is the one within." — Rainer Maria Rilke
