If you’re just joining us for this month’s theme, please read the earlier posts:
→ Introduction
→ Week 1 Instructions
My self-critical voice is pretty mean, and for a long time I hated hearing it. When it said “you’re a loser” or “there’s something wrong with you”, I would tense up and just wish it would vanish. Sometimes I would try to argue with it or convince it that it was wrong. But this only gave it more energy and power.
That’s because all of our harsh voices are conditioned parts of us that yearn to be heard and understood, and the more we try to push them away the more desperate and upset they become. So the key to alleviating the suffering and pain they cause is to befriend them.
Today’s meditation will guide you to recognize, acknowledge, and open your heart to all of you — even the difficult characters. After you practice it, check in with us in the Meditation with Heart Chat and tell us about your experience!
After you listen to this week’s guided meditation and meet your inner critic, I’d like you stay connected to them this week. Imagine what they look like, what they’re wearing, their age. Listen closely to hear what they’re trying to tell you — if they push you away, gently keep trying. Remember, all aspects of you, including this harsh voice, were developed as a protection or a defense to take care of you, even though they may not be serving you well anymore.
“We should be quite gentle in judging ourselves and remember that the habits we are fighting against come from beginningless time and are very strong. So from time to time there will be some backsliding — though in the long run there is progress and improvement.”
—Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Luminous Clarity
May you care for yourself with ease, recognize your connection to the earth, and rejoice in your good sense and loving actions. Sabbe satta sukhi hontu. May it be so for everyone!
Take it light.
Metta+++,
Kim✨
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