Summary

The article advocates for befriending one's inner critic as a strategy for managing its influence over one's thoughts and actions.

Abstract

The concept of "keeping your friends close and your enemies closer" is applied to the relationship with one's inner critic in this reflective piece. It suggests that the inner critic, often perceived as an adversary, can be transformed into an ally through acceptance and integration. The author argues that constant vigilance against the inner critic is exhausting and proposes that making peace with this aspect of the self is crucial for personal growth. By acknowledging and releasing attachments to the critic's negative commentary, one can achieve a harmonious balance between the positive and negative forces within. The article emphasizes that acceptance, not force, is the key to silencing the inner critic and that by keeping it close in awareness, one can prevent it from dominating one's internal narrative.

Opinions

The inner critic is not inherently an enemy but can be a part of the self that requires vigilance.
Fighting the inner critic is futile and energy-consuming; acceptance and integration are more effective strategies.
The inner critic and the self are interconnected, and acknowledging this relationship is essential for personal development.
The author shares a personal experience of transforming their relationship with their inner critic from one of conflict to one of observation and acceptance.
The inner critic's voice becomes less powerful when it is heard without being allowed to govern one's actions or self-perception.
The article suggests that the inner critic plays a role in self-sabotage, but this role diminishes when the critic is not given power over one's identity.

Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer

Our inner critic is not really the enemy

How can I silence my inner critic?

Make friends with the inner critic, the darkness, the void.

According to theidioms.com Keep your friends close and your enemies closer is a phrase that serves to act as advice for people, to be mindful of their enemies to ensure that they are not doing anything untoward. This vigilance would help people overcome any strategy that might have been planned against them.

You could say the inner critic within us all is an enemy… Or is it an ally?

Let’s face it, we require inner vigilance to keep our inner critic from ruling our internal world at times. Especially if it once played a big part in our lives. To create change is no easy accomplishment.

Vigilance is often required to calm and quieten the voice of our inner critic.

In this sense, it becomes clear the importance of befriending the darker shadow sides of the self.

Fighting against the inner critic can become draining and tiring.

Acceptance and integration of this part of the self is key to unifying the forces of darkness and light within.

To unify that which harms us with that which propels us forward. To realize they are one in the same thing.

Without the darkness, the light could not exist.

My inner critic tells me I’m too weird, that no one will like my weirdness. She tells me I am not successful because I am not raking in loads of money and what I’m dreaming about in my future is silly.

I am more vigilant now when she speaks her harsh voice of judgment over me. I know she is not the part of me that speaks the truth, but the sneaky self-saboteur that tries to win over the truth.

Since making friends with my inner critic she has become much quieter. I no longer need to listen when she speaks. I have learned to be an observer.

The fight cannot be won through force.

Acceptance is the only way to quieten the inner critic.

Like the saying goes keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I hold my inner critic in awareness when she speaks, I hear her and I release my attachments to what she has to say. I allow her to be heard but not to rule me.

I accept that she is a part of me and always will be. I keep her close to me in my awareness but make no mistake she no longer rules my world.

I am aware when she surfaces and am clear in defining her as not being the entirety of me. I befriend my inner critic to help quieten the voice.