Begin by finding a comfortable and quiet space where you can sit or lie down,
Free from distractions.
Close your eyes gently and take a deep,
Nourishing breath in,
Feeling the air fill your lungs and then slowly exhale,
Releasing any tension you may be holding.
Now imagine yourself in a serene garden,
Surrounded by lush greenery,
Colourful flowers and the soft soothing sounds of nature.
The sun warms your skin gently and a light breeze carries the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.
This garden is a safe space,
A sanctuary for your mind and soul.
As you walk through this garden,
You notice a small,
Cosy cottage in the distance,
Inviting you to explore.
Inside this cottage lives your inner critic,
The part of you that sometimes speaks in harsh words and unkind tones.
Today,
You are going to meet this critic,
Not as an adversary,
But as an old friend who has lost their way.
Approach the cottage with an open heart,
Filled with compassion and understanding.
As you open the door,
You see your inner critic sitting quietly,
Looking a bit unsure and tired.
Take a moment to observe them without judgement,
Recognising that they too are a part of you.
Invite your inner critic to join you for a walk in the garden,
Offering them kindness and a listening ear.
As you walk side by side,
Begin to talk to your critic with love and gentleness.
Ask them why they feel the need to be so harsh,
What fears and insecurities they are trying to protect you from.
Listen to their response with empathy,
Acknowledging their concerns but also gently challenging the necessity of their critical approach.
Remind your inner critic of your strengths,
Your resilience and your ability to grow from mistakes rather than be defined by them.
Now imagine handing your inner critic a beautiful,
Radiant gemstone,
A symbol of your gratitude for their intention to protect and motivate you,
But also a reminder of your choice to choose kindness and encouragement as your motivators.
Watch as their demeanour softens,
Their voice becomes gentler and their words turn supportive.
As your walk comes to an end,
Thank your inner critic for being open to change and promise to visit them often in this garden of your mind to continue nurturing a relationship built on understanding and mutual respect.
Take a deep breath in,
Filling your lungs with fresh,
Cool air and as you exhale,
Slowly begin to bring your awareness back to the present.
Wiggle your fingers and toes,
Stretch gently if you need to and when you are ready,
Open your eyes,
Returning to the world around you,
Carrying with you a sense of peace,
Self-compassion and the knowledge that your inner critic can be tamed with love and patience.
