Today we offer some thoughts on the tendency to be critical of self and others, something that can become a habit that’s hard to break. Becoming aware of this tendency is the first step to changing it.

Becoming less critical of self and others

How often does an automatic critical thought about ourselves and others pop up in our minds?
(“I’m so . . .” “She always . . .”)

How often do we say something judgmental about ourselves or others?
(harsh self-talk, idle gossip)

How often do we treat ourselves and others based on these thoughts and words?
(self-destructive or other-sabotaging habits)

How often do those thoughts shape our perception of ourselves and others?
(self-fulfilling prophecy, others fulfilling our distorted perception of them)

Try this: Awareness must come before change. Try to become aware of automatic thoughts. Jot them down. Don’t resist them. Stay tuned!

Quotes of the Week:

“The thought manifests as the word;
The word manifests as the deed;
The deed develops into habit;
And habit hardens into character.

So watch the thought
And its ways with care
And let it spring from love
Born out of concern for all beings.” -The Buddha

A parody of the serenity prayer:
“Grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change.
Courage to change the one I can,
And the wisdom to know it’s me” -Anonymous