Self Criticism
How often do we try to do something new and are disappointed with our results? How often do we stop and really pay attention to what is happening inside of us? That is the scary thing to do. The easy thing to do is to let ourselves fall into the unconscious pattern of criticism and reaching for whatever addictive behavior or substance offers to soothe and distract us from what is really disturbing us. This happens a lot when we are attempting to allow ourselves to begin to creatively express ourselves without censor, for often what comes out looks and feels juvenile, awkward, unskilled or down right offensive. What if instead we tried really giving it our full attention and inquiring why it is here and what it has to offer?
Try sitting with your drawing, painting, writing, poem, song…..whatever and really be with it. Notice what it is that is upsetting you. Notice how you feel in your body if you can. If this is disturbing to you then find a healthy way to be with yourself, in yourself, that feels more comforting. Perhaps you need a pillow to hold, or maybe there is a tree out your window that feels good to look at. Maybe there is an image or picture that brings you a sense of inner peace, or maybe you can hear the birds chirping nearby. What if you stroke your dog or cat a few times and feel your hand on their soft fur. Whatever it is, it is important to find a healthy way to comfort and soothe yourself when you feel agitated or upset by your process of creative inquiry, because criticism can be a viscous and unconscious habit that robs us of our ability to learn and play and try new things. Then, while using your healthy comfort process, begin to inquire into your creative expression once again. Really look at it with the eyes of a child and open to what is going on inside of you. Then try writing a page without censor about what you are experiencing. If you feel blank try starting with something like: When I look at my Creative Inquiry page if feel upset because…… Then when you are done with your writing, check in again and see how you feel in your body. It is important to remember to bring gentle awareness to your bodily sensations, because this is how old energy patterns are released and your natural state of inner peace and vitality is restored. Remember to use your comfort resource whenever you start to feel overwhelmed by what you are experiencing. |