What Inner Critic?
Muse 4-28-24
WHAT INNER CRITIC?
As promised, this week's essay continues to delve deeply into the transformative shift that occurs when we perceive our internal experiences as manifestations of energy we navigate and HANDLE, rather than innate characteristics we possess or HAVE.
Before we get started I want to acknowledge that I understand the ideas I present are often unconventional. I don't advocate stirring the pot for the sake of disruption alone or an attempt to stand out among a sea of practitioners. Disruption must yield usefulness and impact, or it becomes a mere annoyance and distraction. My methods, honed through years of experience in fine art, leadership, and psychology, are rooted in practicality and effectiveness. In my work with Mentorship clients, my insights derive from extensive clinical practice across diverse methodologies and client demographics. My methods are based on what we call in the realm of psychology, clinical experience.
Exploring the essence of things and addressing challenges from their core is inherent to my inquisitive nature. I not only believe, but have experienced as a clinician that change is most potent when challenges are addressed at the foundation - when we get to the essence of something.
I didn't arrive here overnight. And it took trying on many perspectives and methodologies for me to determine what I think is the most effective across disciplines. My methods may seem unconventional, weird and wild, but they are conventional in the sense that they work and have lasting impact.
That being said, let's bust a popular myth.
What if I told you there was no such thing as an Inner Critic?
I know, I've just committed a cardinal sin in coaching circles. How often have we, as creatives, been instructed to silence our inner critic through exercises, journaling, or meditation? While cultivating self-compassion in the face of criticism is valuable, it's crucial to recognize that for creatives, criticism is a skill refined over time. The ability to assess, measure, compare, and evaluate is integral to our craft. Yet, when we attribute criticism to an internal source, we risk stifling this essential skill as it is difficult to separate the two.
I've witnessed this paralysis in many clients, where the inability to differentiate between an inner critic and a discerning eye leads to creative blocks. It is common for clients to find me precisely because they are struggling with this. When faced with this challenge, I encourage clients to consider an alternative perspective: What if there is no inner critic? What if invalidation and judgment are external energies we handle, distinct from our inherent capacity for critique? What if it is not inside us?
By reframing these energies as external, clients reclaim their ability to discern and get space from the invalidation, judgment and punishment that are very natural parts of the creative process. I’d say if you are feeling these, then that’s a sign that you are doing it right. Making this shift frees them from the grip of creative stagnation, allowing them to embrace the pauses inherent in the creative process with most importantly clarity, neutrality, and confidence.
There is more here than just a simple reframe and an experiment in how we think about invalidation as creatives. There is also work. Creativity is not magic and requires maintenance. The maintenance I ask my Mentorship clients to do is very simple, takes about 5-15 minutes a day and has a lasting impact not only immediately but over time. In doing so I see a shift almost immediately in the movement of creative blocks, burnout (that’s another idea to look at differently through the energetic lens), and lack of confidence and ability.
In sharing these insights and practical strategies, I aim to illuminate the transformative potential of energy work in creative endeavors. While the concepts may challenge conventional wisdom, they are grounded in years of clinical experience and proven effectiveness. As someone deeply committed to addressing challenges at their core, I offer a supportive space for exploration and growth. If you find resonance with these ideas and are intrigued by the prospect of integrating these practices into your creative process and leadership, I invite you to take the next step. Together, we can embark on a collaborative exploration, unlocking new depths of creativity, innovation, and the birth of groundbreaking ideas.
If you're ready to embrace a holistic approach to your creative process and experience profound shifts in your work and leadership, I encourage you to schedule a time for an interview. I'll be selecting three passionate individuals to join my mentorship program, starting in mid-May.
Hit the button below to schedule a time for an interview to see if we are a good match.
xxx
LAS
NEW MOON
5-8-24
Taurus
Gate 2
The Gate of Direction of Self
This New Moon in Taurus, coupled with the transit of Gate 2, presents an opportunity for introspection and intentional growth. This celestial event prompts us to reevaluate our intentions and aspirations, focusing on areas of our lives we aim to develop and expand, while intensifying the energy of the New Moon, shedding light on hidden truths, and signaling the closure of past chapters.
Influenced by Taurus presence, this New Moon takes on additional dimensions of the steadfast earthy Taurus essence we all love. Taurus, the Fixed Earth sign ruled by Venus and associated with the 2nd house of self-worth and financial energy, brings a focus on practicality and groundedness. This influence invites a passionately charged, wise, and values focused lunar event that beautifully embodies the enduring essence of Taurus, guided by the nurturing relational touch of the ever connected Venus.
Combined with the influence of Gate 2 this period embodies the energy for receiving the abundance of life. To recognize that life is a delicate balance of feminine and masculine energies, understanding that true abundance comes from receiving the gifts life offers. However, it also grapples with tendencies to spend resources recklessly, harboring doubts, worries, and anxiety about meeting its needs and lacking faith in the ability to receive abundance. A truly powerful pairing to the Taurus energy of practicality and security.
By approaching this time with mindfulness and proactive reflection, we can navigate the shifting energies with resilience and clarity. This is a beautiful opportunity for personal and professional growth, to embrace the principles of havingness, groundedness, and connectedness.
Journal prompts for this New Moon:
1. What intentions and aspirations are you currently focusing on? Reflect on how they align with your values and self-worth.
2. How do you embody Taurus's practicality and security in your life? Consider nurturing your sense of groundedness and abundance, acknowledging any doubts or worries about receiving.
3. Reflect on the balance of feminine and masculine energies within and around you. Explore tendencies to spend recklessly or doubt your ability to receive abundance. How can you deepen trust in your capacity to embrace life's gifts?
4. How can you navigate the shifting energies of this period with resilience and clarity? Embrace the principles of havingness, groundedness, and connectedness. Consider practical steps for personal and professional growth, guided by the New Moon's influence.
SOLAR TRANSIT
5-9-24
Gate 23
Gate of Assimilation
On May 9 the sun gracefully transverses Gate 23, the Gate of Assimilation. During this celestial transit, you're invited to embark on a deeply introspective voyage of self-discovery. Gate 23 encourages a deep exploration of your inner realm, focusing particularly on the profound energy of authentic expression, encouraging the expression of truth with unwavering honesty.
The energy of Gate 23 advocates for a communication style that embraces directness and conciseness, recognizing that delivering a message straightforwardly is the most impactful approach. Gate 23 possesses the ability to articulate the truth with clarity and a touch of grace.
However, this energy comes with a distinctive aspect. Those experiencing the transit of Gate 23 may find themselves perceived as unconventional or unorthodox due to their dedication to expressing truths that diverge significantly from the prevailing energy. There is a propensity to communicate assertively, sometimes talking at people and sharing insights prematurely, rather than patiently awaiting the opportune moment or a receptive audience.
To enhance the frequency of Gate 23, create both inner and outer space, allowing to attune to the voice of inner wisdom. This transformative process emphasizes the importance of cultivating a profound understanding of one's message before attempting to communicate it. Effective communication stems from a clear awareness of the message itself. By nurturing this inner clarity, a refinement of expression can emerge, ensuring that the truth resonates authentically and harmonizes more effectively with the intended audience. This approach not only elevates the frequency of Gate 23 but also enhances the impact and reception of the communicated truths.
Gate 23 tasks you with the opportunity to contemplate the certainty of change and transformation. There is always change. There is always transformation. And we are participants in this transformative energy. Gate 23 also provides the opportunity to reflect on your role in change. How your insights can shift the collective and the importance of waiting for the right time to share your insights for change and transformation. Trusting that there is a right time to share your insights and that those who ask for them are the ones who are the most open and ready to receive them. To not push or hustle, but allow for an unfolding during seasons of change.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. Reflect on your communication style: Are you straightforward and honest in expressing your truths, or do you hold back? Find a balance between assertiveness and sensitivity, aligning with Gate 23's essence.
2. Explore your comfort with unconventional ideas: Do you hesitate to share unique perspectives? Reflect on times you've felt compelled to communicate assertively and consider refining your approach to resonate better with your audience.
3. Contemplate inner wisdom: How do you create space to gain clarity on your messages? Trust in the right timing for sharing insights, allowing them to be received more effectively.
4. Consider your role in change: Embrace the certainty of transformation and your part in it. Reflect on how your insights contribute to collective growth, trusting in the natural unfolding of seasons of change.
NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it below.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though in the past I shut down my voice, I now speak my truth with grace and well timed effectiveness waiting for the right moment to share my valuable insights and I deeply and completely love and accept myself..”
IN HARMONY
My grief is changing and right now I’m in a good place. Or I should say today I’m in a good place. I miss my friend terribly, always. I’m convinced that will never change, but right now, today, I’m able to really sit in the gift of our friendship. Something that previously was hard to do and often felt like torture. Tree and I spent years listening to music together. Whether it was live or via mix tapes (remember those) then playlists and sharing songs over text. There are certain songs that became a part of our relationship. I’ve been listening to this album for the past year. I’m positive it is one we would have listened to together in some way shape or form. It would have become part of how we understand each other. I think it still is. But in a new way. This song in particular is one that I often imagine myself singing to him. On the days that I miss him but in this new way, which has sadness pushed up right against joy and hope somehow. I promised myself I would learn to play it on the guitar, but in the meantime I find myself singing it around the house as I discover this new stage of grief which also strangely feels like joy.
I hope you enjoy it too. Hit listen to get a taste.
And hey, some of you asked for all the In Harmony songs as a playlist. If that's you, here it is.
