Choose Compassion Over Self-Criticism

The voice of your inner critic can be loud, convincing, and exhausting. It may tell you you're not enough, that you should be doing more, or that you'll never measure up. But those thoughts are not who you are.

In this gentle mini breathwork practice, you'll use your breath and visualization to create space from self-criticism and reconnect with self-compassion. Together, we'll soften the volume of negative self-talk and replace it with a simple truth: *I choose compassion instead.*

Whether you're navigating perfectionism, body image struggles, self-doubt, or overwhelm, this practice offers a moment to pause, breathe, and return to yourself.

You are not your inner critic. You are worthy of compassion, love, and enough exactly as you are.

Transcript

Welcome beautiful soul. In this guided breathwork practice, You will begin to notice where that inner critic lies within. And what this inner critic is saying to you. Begin to find a comfortable position. Whether that is sitting upright with your feet on the ground or lying down with support. Whatever feels right for you in this moment. Close your eyes if that feels safe. Or you can just have a soft geese. Take a deep breath in through your nose. . . And slowly exhale through your mouth. Now, Let's settle into a simple rhythm. Inhale through your nose for a count of four. . . 1. . . 2. . . 3. . . 4. . . Exhale through your mouth for a count of four. One, Two, Three, Four. And let's continue this together Inhale 2, 3, 4. Exhale 2, 3, 4. As you breathe, Bring to mind the voice of your inner critic. Maybe this voice has specific words. Or maybe its present just feels like a heavy pressure. Imagine you could place this voice outside of yourself like turning on a radio in the room. Beautiful work. As you continue to stay with your breath. And noticing. That inner critic. Inhale 2 3 4 Exhale 2 3 4 Inhale 2 3 4 Exhale 2 3 4 Amazing. Now imagine. That with each exhale. You're turning down the volume of that radio. The words are still there. They are softer. The words are less sharp. They're less convincing. As you turn down the radio. The words. You don't have the power that they used to. It's just white noise in the background Continue to inhale deeply for four. . . And to exhale gently and slowly for 4. . . And each time that you exhale. You are turning that dial down a little more. Repeat silently to yourself. The next time you exhale. I choose compassion instead. Inhale 2, 3, 4. Exhale I choose compassion instead. Let those words really sit with you. Embody the truth. Behind those words. Feel. The words within you. Infusing you with light and love. That unconditional love. Continue to do this for a few more rounds. At your own pace. Inhale. And when you exhale. Repeat I choose compassion instead. Beautiful work as you continue to choose compassion with each breath that you take. Now I invite you to place your hand gently on your heart and the other on your belly. Feel the love that you've just created. In this short amount of time. The love that overpowers any inner critic. Let's take one last deep inhale. And on your exhale. Whisper to yourself the inner critic. Does not define me. I am enough. When you're ready Let your breath return to normal. Wiggle your fingers and your toes. Nod your head yes and no Shake out your hands Rotate your ankles and wrists. And slowly begin to open your eyes. Bringing your awareness back to your space at this time. Welcome home.