When we get stuck, it feels like things are not moving forward. We seem to not know what to do and we seemingly end up unable to take the next step.

Stuckness is not easy to be with. For once, it leaves us helpless, often immobilized to the possibilities of life. What is more, often we do not have any idea what to do about it, as our mind circles around in familiar patterns, flying through the same orbit over and over again.

Beliefs are perceptual filters and inner evaluations about what we consider possible or impossible, they concern the deeper structure of our mind, and are usually unconscious.

They influence our behaviours and tend to lead to self-fulfilling prophecies, or results that increase the validity of beliefs we already have.

This is true for both limiting or empowering beliefs.

here are a number of ways our life gets optimized and finding a way to not let our inner critic take over is essential. The inner critic is a structure, usually internalized from our parental figures that makes sure certain standards are upheld and that we do not "step" out of line. It informs us frequently of behavioural limits and let's us know harshly when we have not met some unconscious image of how we have to behave. In short, the inner critic, keeps us limited and doesn't let us expand beyond a self-identity that is usually a tapestry of inner wounds, limiting beliefs, images and unconscious aspects from the past.

I don't know about you, but most of us have conscious or unconscious fears, yet to be discovered, explored or digested. Fear is not just a thought, no, it has a definite effect on our physical body. It is emotionally difficult and stressful, and can paralyze us to take action, to make decisions or to move forward in life. Some of us will not even strive for the goals we have, because fear keeps us prisioner to our defined world view and set boundaries. Fearfulness leads to a limited way of thinking, and often times shuts down our rational mind, leaving us with reptilian instinctual responses of "fight or flight" and emotional distress.

Each person's life is like a mandala - a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear and think forms the mandala of our life."

Pema Chodron

The inner critic, or inner judge is a structure within each human being that sooner or later we will have to deal with in our journey towards more wholeness and inner freedom. As the title reveals this post will show you 9 ways to let go of your inner critic, which involves being aware of the inner critic, recognizing it's incessant messages, becoming able to let go of it and to start recognizing how easy it is to become productive and healthy without a constant nagging voice in the background of your mind.