Criticism-both yours and others

To my solo practitioners and wielders of your faith Welcome

As we look closer to the end of the year (October 31 is only 10 days away!!!) but we forgot that when approaching a new year we should do our best to correct the wrongs made in this year of 2020. With all that is said and done it's time to peel some band aids off about things that are still lingering around and that is criticism.

Certain kinds of criticism sticks in the mind like a thorn. The words of the cleric here in this quote up top are specifically addressed to teachers within his monastery, but all who are in positions of authority and responsibility should guard their lips. This is especially true for parents, teachers, and all who deal with the young, who are especially susceptible to reproach. Continued criticism, offered in place of helpful suggestion, can overwhelm a child and leave her with little self-esteem. Correction shapes technique and eliminate errors over the course of time, until the student himself becomes expert, able to guide and correct in his turn. Reproach, on the other hand, is like lime: whatever it touches immediately shrinks away. Whenever reproach has spread its acid, nothing further grows.

Criticism springs from three desires: a desire to improve, a desire to detract, and a desire to hide the same fault in oneself. The last of these desires is the deadliest: by casting criticism on others, we throw a convenient smoke screen over our own faults, which often perfectly mirror the thing we have pointed at elsewhere. The only way to guard against unwarranted criticism in daily life is to think first, keep silent when possible, and speak only words that will be received without undue offence.

From some same words of a book I read about an opponent's criticism, to start.

There is nothing like the sting of an opponent's criticism to needle us into reaction. Such criticisms trespass upon our self esteem and dent our pride past bearing. We find ourselves retaliating with scornful rejoinders, and we think up vengeful scenarios that will teach the opponent a well placed lesson, each though we do not intend to implement them. Leaving aside unjust, outrageous, or malignant criticism, most, criticism has a kernel of truth,which is what makes it so painful to receive. We are aware, even as we are hurt by the words, that there is some justification for complaint or reproach. The criticism of friends strikes us with less force, since it is usually framed in a kindly way, but the criticism of enemies - who see with the deadly eye of knowledge what are all about - is threateningly penetrating.

For a friend of mine who has always prided himself in his work found he got a negative review from the food he made it hurt. but later you do learn to both appreciate and value his criticism. as the saying always says

"what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is more true about criticism and practicing your art than anything else. We can learn from our opponents a good deal more about ourselves then we will ever learn from forbearing friends. So here are some questions to ask:

1) What truth emerges from your reflection?

2) What resolve springs up in you as a result?

3) Was correction or reproach used?

4) What wisdom can you learn from the situation?

5) How is reproach clogging up your own life?

This is a great exercise to both release yourself and to find a good maybe even a great source of release. Mentally unblock yourself from this so you can have a clear mind, body, and heart and move forward into November.