Thriving and Awakening Tip

In Survival Mode, your ego judges whether something is safe or not safe. You see a bear in the woods and instinctively judge it as dangerous. Such judgments are natural and healthy.

Judging the external world can shift to judging yourself in rather harsh ways. For example, “I am not a good presenter. Why even try?!” Self-judgment can then expand as you judge how much you judge yourself. “I’m stupid for being so harsh with myself. What is wrong with me?!” The judging of your judging is like a dog chasing its tail, going around in circles, getting nowhere.

When you become aware of the internal merry-go-round, it’s time for some self-compassion. Accept this as normal and be grateful you are recognizing it. Choose to be kind and proactive regardless of past judgments. Now you are moving into thriving!