Stop getting in your own way

We all do it. The voice in our heads is the meanest, most critical and nastiest against oneself. If you’ve ever been yelled at or on the receiving end of spiteful and mean behavior, you’re only getting a taste of how this person treats themselves.

The way we treat ourselves translates directly into how we treat our planet (and vice versa). In order to find love and compassion for our “various parts”, we need to be aware of our inner critics and the parts within ourselves we don’t want to see or accept. 

Even I fall victim to this “beating myself up” behavior

Recently I made a familiar mistake. I learned (again) that I need to keep boundaries in place so as not to burnout and “over-give”. I’ve learned this lesson about a million times before. 

I started down the same, “Oh you idiot, I can’t believe you did this again… you should know better”. Mindful awareness allowed me to identify that I was being too hard on myself. But sometimes recognition alone isn’t enough and the self-loathing and frustration can feel like a deep pit you’re unable to dig yourself out of.
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However, beating yourself up is the most SELFISH and EGOTISTICAL thing you do 

When we get upset with ourselves, we are really just disappointed that we are not fitting our idealized image of ourselves. Or worse, that our self-image is shattered. This can be the biggest letdown. 

In releasing our attachment to the image of who we are, i.e. letting go of attachment to ego, we are able to accept our whole selves. 

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“It is mere [selfishness] to be inconsolable at seeing one’s own imperfections; but to stand face to face with them, neither flattering nor tolerating them, seeking to correct oneself without becoming pettish - this is to desire what is good for its own sake” - Fenelon as quoted by Huxley in Perennial Philosophy. 

​In releasing our attachment to the image of who we are, i.e. letting go of attachment to ego, we are able to accept our whole selves. 

The ancient texts from India are pretty direct about the need to stay away from attachment; “Attachment breeds desire, the lust of possession that burns to anger. Anger clouds the judgement; you can no longer learn from past mistakes. Lost is the power to choose between what is wise and what is unwise, and your life is utter waste.” (2.62 Bhagavad Gita)

Recognizing we are not our thoughts

We are not the voice(s) we hear in our heads. So who are we? 

“Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them.” — Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth

“Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen that draw it. Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think. Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never leaves.” (1.1-2, Dhammapada)

The next time you hear that self-criticizing voice in your head, ask yourself what you’re really upset about, and who’s really affected. And ask yourself, where am I putting my energy? Is this where I want to be placing it? 

The path to self-love and compassion starts with a letting go of and a detachment from ego. 

“Those who see all creatures in themselves and themselves in all creatures know no grief. How can the multiplicity of life delude the one who sees it’s unity?” (Isha Upanishad)

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Books referenced and for further reading: ​

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

The Upanishads, translated by Easwaran

The Upanishads, translated by Easwaran