Make Peace with Your Mind: How Mindfulness and Compassion Can Free You from Your Inner Critic

  • 3h 11m
  • Mark Coleman
  • New World Library
  • 2016

The inner critic is the voice inside our heads reminding us that we are never “good enough.” It’s behind the insidious thoughts that can make us second-guess our every action and doubt our own value. The inner critic might feel overpowering, but it can be managed effectively. Meditation teacher and therapist Mark Coleman helps readers understand and free themselves from the inner critic using the tools of mindfulness and compassion. Each chapter offers constructive insights into what creates, drives, and disarms the critic; real people’s journeys to inspire and guide readers; and simple practices anyone can use to live a free, happy, and flourishing life.

About the Author

Mark Coleman is a senior meditation teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, an executive coach, and the founder of the Mindfulness Institute, which brings mindfulness training to organizations worldwide.

In this Book

  • Foreword
  • Introduction—How I Discovered the Critic and Found a Way Out
  • Change is Possible—Neuroplasticity and the Power of Choice
  • You are Not Alone—The Epidemic of Self-Judgment
  • Imposter Syndrome—If They Really Knew Who I Am…
  • Thief of Peace—The Critic as the Cause of Low Self-Esteem
  • You are Not Your Fault—Not Taking Your Thoughts Personally
  • How Did I Get Here?—The Origin and Function of the Critic
  • In the Critic’s Defense—Understanding the Critic’s Point of View
  • From Judgment to Discernment—Mistaken Loyalty to the Critic
  • It’s about You, Stupid!—How the Critic Attacks Your Innate Value
  • The Mantra of “Not Enough”—Knowing When Enough is Enough
  • 20/20 Hindsight—How the Critic Fuels Regret
  • The Inner Boardroom—Understanding the Voices in Your Head
  • The Critic’s Revolving Door—What Goes Out Must Go in
  • The Impact of the Critic—How Judgments Affect Us
  • It’s All Your Fault—Understanding the Critic in Relationships
  • Mindfulness—The Power of Awareness
  • Hello Judgments—Realizing Judgments are Just Thoughts
  • Teflon Mind—The Power of Nonidentification
  • Keep it in the Family—Recognizing the Origins of the Critic
  • The Joke is on You—Seeing the Funny Side of the Critic
  • Reality Check—Are Your Judgments Really True?
  • Sorry, I’m Not Interested—Living with Disinterest in the Critic
  • Befriending Yourself—You are Not Your Enemy
  • The Power of Vulnerability—The Hidden Strength of the Heart
  • The Power of Love—Turning from Self-Hatred to Self-Kindness
  • Transforming Pain—Moving from Self-Harm to Self-Compassion
  • Giving up Hope of a Better Past—From Self-Blame to Self-Forgiveness
  • Inclining toward Happiness—Paying Attention to the Good
  • Who are You?—Seeing the Good in others
  • Inner Peace—A Life beyond the Critic
  • The Critic Toolbox—Defending Yourself against Judgments
  • Notes
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