Criticism vs. Compassion

Offering someone compassion doesn't always feel as easy as criticizing them. Because it feels hard it might even feel “better” to criticize before we offer compassion. Sit with that for a second… it feels better to criticize others than it does to offer compassion. Not just others, but yourself too. It feels better to criticize yourself than to offer yourself compassion because that is easier. Like water, we do take the path of least resistance. But like water in a flood zone, that path can certainly be destructive! 

Today, I want you to check your inner dialogue. Whether it’s walking through the store or after a conversation with your co-workers or interacting with a customer. Your knee-jerk response is likely one with a negative approach. “What is she wearing?” “I cannot believe she allows her kids to do that!” “Grow up and manage your money like an adult and you wouldn’t need to put items back.” “If I had any self-control I wouldn’t have eaten that donut at the office.” “If I could just get it together, I would have been on time.” “I wish I could be more like Jane, she is always dressed so cute.” Thoughts like these are ones of criticism. Some for other people, some towards yourself, but they all come from a place of judgment and low-frequency energy.  We know that that doesn’t serve us. Whether this is negative self-talk or your casting shade on someone else, you lower your vibration with this criticism. 

I heard it said once that your first thought is what you have been conditioned to believe. It’s your knee-jerk response based on the years of being coached, taught, and exposed to other people’s opinions. They say, your second thought is YOUR true thought. Your real opinion. If that is true, then it’s no wonder so many of us choose to criticize instead of offering compassion. It is no wonder that our first thoughts are ugly and mean instead of supportive and compassionate. It is no wonder that in a world where conflict, hate, separation surround us daily, our first thought falls in line with that. 

But just because that is a normal part of society, doesn’t mean it has to be a normal thought inside your head. As you recognize these thought patterns you can begin to adjust them. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Eventually, it will not feel easy or comfortable to criticize first. Compassion will flow freely. Your vibration will be higher and you will feel better, about yourself and the world around you. 

So today I challenge you to think differently. Take the path less traveled and approach life from a place of compassion instead of criticism. Allow the thoughts on repeat in your head to be your own, not someone else’s, and be thoughts that lift you up instead of tearing you down. 

If you’re ready to learn more about how you can change your perspective and approach life with more compassion and less criticism, email me at [email protected].