How to break the critic’s spell

An Artist's Guide to Silencing the Inner Critic

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How to break the critic’s spell:

Give it a pen and ask it to write down all
its grievances.

On second thought, give it a crayon.

Read its complaints out loud.

Emphasis on loud.

Weep for the pain it carries.

Wrap it in your comfiest sweater,
the big one with all the holes.

Let it rest as long as it needs,
but don’t let it hide under the covers
too long.

Bring it your most nourishing soup.
Let it slurp from the bowl.

Give it a side of hot buttered bread,
pay no mind to the crumbs on the sheets.

Take it for a walk.
Point out the sky, the flowers, the leaves on the tree.

Hold its hand close to your heart,
gently lift its face to the sun.

Teach it how to dance.
Let the music roll through its whole body.
Shoulders,
hips,
toes.

Take it to your favorite places.
The bookstore,
the coffee shop,
the steps on the porch.

Rock it in your arms.
Stroke its hair.

Let it know how much it is loved
for keeping you safe all these years.

Reassure it that you are okay now.

You ARE okay now.
You are okay now.
You are going to be okay.

Open your arms and set it free.