Do You Want to Banish Your Inner Critic?

I remember doing a retreat called ‘The Demise of the Judge’ back in 2010. It was shocking to wake up to a running commentary of my inner critic, whether it was towards myself or other people. It was non-stop and for a while I worked hard to shut that voice up.

When you’re aware of something, things start changing.

But it did not stop entirely.

Not until I started viewing my inner critic as a ‘protector’.

You have more than one protector and each voice is different, so for starters it’s not helpful to cram them under one umbrella name of ‘inner critic’.

What’s more, protectors believe they have an important role to play. Effectively, their job is to shield a particular vulnerability. Now, when you try to shut off that voice, it doesn’t really work, because your subconscious mind is worried about the vulnerable parts.

I remember exploring this at a retreat earlier this year. It was to do with deepening my relationship. With my teacher’s guidance, I embodied my inner conflict. There were two parts to the conversation.

My protector showed up as my grandmother would have: strong, powerful and uncompromising. This part did not think it was wise for me to open my heart any further. She sat on a big armchair, literally shielding a vulnerable part of me, which I called an Orphan. I stepped into my Orphan and she felt so powerless, trampled over, without a voice… She did as she was told and she had no power to dictate the terms of the relationship.

With that level of vulnerability, there was no stopping my inner grandma. I had to relate with each part, thank my protector for her efforts to keep me safe and make sure that both parts were seen and heard. Only then I was able to open to more love.

So, if you’ve been battling your inner critic for a while, this is why it may not have worked very well. You need to heal the underlying vulnerability and re-define your relationship with your protector to find some inner peace.

Interested to explore this with me?

Book your free consultation here. https://gulara.as.me/30min

With all my love

Gulara