Thus, as we grow in our awareness of how this particular ‘structure’ operates, we come to the stunning realization that there is a different kind of relationship to be had with teh I.C.  rather than taking it to be the truth,  ’making it bad,’ or ‘getting into a struggle with it” as if it ws real.   That’s why I use the word “structure’ —the I.C. can be seen as more of an “It”that operates on automatic  rather than a ‘he/she/they that has been personified, taken personally.

I thnk we have to be careful about characterizing the I.C. as a “gremlin” or “that entity that sits on my shoulder,” because this is a way that we give it a sense of realness, and give it more power.

To work with the Inner Critic requires being able to notice when one is “at the effect” of its structure.  There are lots of clues if we know what to look for.  They show up mentally, somatically, emotionally, energetically and spiritually.   Once we recognize it, then we can begin the process of stepping back from it, Unhooking from it, dis-identifying with it as something real.  That’s when we begin to experience our inner authority. 

And then, we have the courage to face the I.C.’s message, sort through all the falseness of its noise, and find if there is perhaps a Gem of Truth that is at the very core of the message.  Finding this Gem helps us continue to grow and evolve.

Last night, one woman’s eyes just lit up as she exclaimed, “For the first time, I can see the Inner Critic as a gift.”   Indeed, it can point you  to something valuable, as long as you don’t get caught in the first wave of its automatic and egoic activity.  Name it, call it out, distance yourself from the negativity or from its arrogance, as it shows up differently for different people depending upon one’s dominant Enneagram type.  Then, with clarity and curiosity, see if there is a gem to be found.