Navigating the Landscape of Self-Criticism and Mindfulness

This week, Dr. Greg explores what it really means to follow Christ by starting with compassion—towards ourselves. Discover a fresh approach to self-compassion by embracing every part of who you are—even the inner critic. 

Discussed in this episode:

• The surprising connection between self-compassion and following Christ;
• The cultural misunderstanding of self-compassion as selfishness or pride;
• The "mono-mind" theory vs. the emerging "multi-mind" model of personality;
• How sub-personalities affect our inner conflicts and decision-making;
• The role of the inner critic in self-protection and survival;
• Why rejecting or suppressing negative inner voices doesn't work;
• Jesus’ example of welcoming the rejected and applying it to our inner parts;
• Practical ways to engage with your inner critic instead of battling it;
• Recognizing how wounds from the past shape our internal voices;
• How gratitude for our inner defense mechanisms can bring healing;
• Why many pop psychology approaches inadvertently promote self-rejection;
• The importance of creating inner silence for self-reflection and healing;
• How radical acceptance leads to greater freedom and self-understanding.

Resources mentioned or relevant: 

• PartsWellness.com: Download the free guided exercises to engage with your inner parts and develop self-compassion;
• Grow in self-awareness through Catholic Mindfulness;
• Past Podcast Episodes: 
  • Episode 130: How to Stop Internally Beating Yourself Up 
  • Episode 35: Why Do I Feel Like I Have Conflicting Parts?
  • Episode 179: Superheroes Within: Parts Work and Inner Peace
• Need help? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your next best step; 
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Contact us! Have a topic or a question you would like Dr. Greg to address on the podcast? Want to give some feedback about this episode? Email us at beinghuman@catholicpsych.com - we would love to hear from you!

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