Our inner critic can turn feelings of inadequacy, shame, or not belonging into familiar stories that we begin to accept as truth.
Lama Rod Owens presents radical kindness as a different response, one rooted in consciously meeting our own suffering with care and compassion, especially when doing so feels difficult.
Key ideas:
- Notice the inner critic: Mindful awareness can help us recognize recurring self-critical stories and observe the sensations, emotions, and images that arise when we believe them.
- Don’t fight judgment with more judgment: Trying to silence the inner critic through anger or self-blame can create another layer of criticism. Instead, Owens suggests balancing that voice with radical kindness.
- Practice compassionate self-talk: Simple phrases centered on gentleness, trust, and patience can provide a practical way to experiment with responding to ourselves more compassionately.
- Borrow kindness when it’s hard to find: If self-compassion feels difficult, imagining the words of a supportive and accepting person can help us experience kindness toward ourselves and gradually strengthen our ability to offer it from within.
Happier Meditation shares weekly essays and practices to support mindfulness, compassion, and lasting happiness.
