Moving from Self Criticism to Acknowledge Inner Strength: Nature & Non-Judgement

How many of us are so self critical that every time we look in the mirror we see a reflection of utter disgust? Where does this even come from? It is true, we are, most of us, our own worst critic. Why? Where does this leave us in each momen? Completely unsatisfied and not good enough, even for ourselves?

The inner voice we tell ourselves becomes our identity. Instead of reflecting on failures and self rejection, we can try to offer ourselves word of encouragment. We can transform unpleasant thoughts, emotions, and feelings into pleasantries. We can learn to befriend and nourish ourselves in each moment.

Affirmation: I notice when I am self critical and I can offer myself an encouraging word.

Mindful Moment: Sit comfortably seated, with an awareness in posture. Elongating spine, chin up, shoulders back, arms relaxed, focusing on breath. Listening to the breath, with each breath expanding, lengthening, then letting go. Notice an awareness in your self in this moment. Ask yourself, What judgement am I making of myself? Conciously let go of any judgement, replacing criticism with a compliment. What does this feel like to offer words of encouragaement instead of criticism? What thoughts, feelings, sensations, reactions are present? What are you noticing? When you feel distracted or unclear, keep going back to your breath. Is it shallow or full? Lengthen each breath. Then, let go.

Nature Experience: Take a hike and keep going all of the way to the top. Stay aware in each moment of any thoughts, feelings, sensatons, or reactions that are present. Just observe and notice your thinking patterns. Notice when you begin to criticize yourself, take a moment and observe your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, what can you tell yourself to change criticism into encouragement. Sit with this deep awareness and listen to your breath. When you are ready keep moving forward all the way to the top. Say to yourself out loud. I am so proud of myself. I love myself. I am important. I can let go of self criticism.

Journal Prompt: During my hike today a persistent thought, feeling, or reaction was? What did I observe? How did this effect my ability to think positively about myself? Was I able to keep going to change criticism into words of encouragement? What did this feel like? Was I able to gain an awareness of self judgement? How did I change self criticism into words of encouragement?