🌿 Let’s Begin Here
It’s so natural to feel a flicker of anger when someone criticizes us — our ego feels bruised, our heart tightens. Yet, beneath that reaction, there’s a deeper part of you that longs to grow, to learn, and to be free from the chains of pride. Accepting criticism gracefully is not about weakness but about strength — a quiet strength that comes from knowing your true self beyond the surface. Let’s gently explore this together.
🕉️ Timeless Words
सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज ।
अहं त्वां सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः ॥
(Chapter 18, Verse 66)
"Abandon all varieties of dharma and simply surrender unto Me alone. I will liberate you from all sinful reactions; do not fear."
This verse calls us to surrender — not only to the Divine but also to the humility that dissolves ego. When we let go of rigid attachments to our image and pride, criticism no longer wounds us deeply. Instead, it becomes a doorway to freedom.
🪬 Guiding Lights
- See criticism as a mirror, not a weapon. It reflects something about your actions, not your worth.
- Detach your self-worth from others’ opinions. Your true self is untouched by praise or blame.
- Respond with curiosity, not defense. Ask, “What can I learn here?” instead of “How do I protect myself?”
- Remember impermanence. Both praise and criticism are fleeting clouds passing through your sky of consciousness.
- Practice self-compassion. Be gentle with yourself when feelings of anger arise; they are signals, not flaws.
🌊 Inner Dialogues
You might be whispering to yourself, “Why do they always find fault? Am I not enough? This hurts my pride.” These feelings are valid and human. Anger often masks vulnerability — the fear of being misunderstood or rejected. It’s okay to feel this way. But imagine if you could meet that anger with kindness and curiosity instead of resistance. What might you discover about yourself in that space?
📿 What He Would Say...
“My dear friend, when criticism comes, do not see it as an attack on your soul. The true Self is vast and untouched by these outer ripples. Let your heart be like the lotus — rooted firmly in the mud but blossoming beautifully above the water. Surrender your ego’s grip, and you will find peace even in the storm of words. I am always with you, steady and loving.”
🌱 A Familiar Story
Think of a student learning to play the piano. Early on, the teacher points out mistakes — sometimes sharply. The student feels frustrated or embarrassed. But if the student clings to pride, progress stalls. If instead, the student listens with an open heart, each critique becomes a stepping stone to mastery. So too with life’s criticisms — they are lessons wrapped in challenge, inviting you to grow beyond your current self.
✨ Just One Step Today
When you next feel the sting of criticism, pause and breathe deeply three times. Then quietly ask yourself, “What truth can I accept here without judgment?” Let your response be gentle.
🧘 Pause the Scroll
- What is my ego trying to protect when I feel angry at criticism?
- How can I remind myself of my deeper, unchanging self beyond praise or blame?
📢 Whisper to Share
"In the garden of the soul, criticism is but rain — nourishing growth, not destruction."
🌼 This Moment Forward
May you find the courage to soften your heart and the wisdom to see criticism as a gift in disguise. You are more than your ego’s defenses, more than the fleeting opinions of others. Rest in the quiet strength that comes from surrender, and know that every step you take toward acceptance is a step closer to peace. You are deeply loved, always.