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Sensitive. Not Fragile, Not Angry
How to respond to criticism
How do you react to criticism? With a sarcastic retort? With teary eyes? With thoughts of anger and revenge?
Maybe you have tried to control your reaction by stuffing down the anger or fighting back the tears, but you realize that you still feel miserable inside.
Maybe you’ve heard the experts tell you that you shouldn’t let the negative comments of another person have a place of residence in your brain.
How does anyone just “let it all go”?
This was a popular topic in my mindfulness class. My students asked me how I was able to stay so calm, even when criticized harshly (lots of emotions come up in a mindfulness class). I would offer this quote from Yogi Bhajan:
“If you are willing to look at another person’s behavior toward you as a reflection of the state of their relationship with themselves rather than a statement about your value as a person, then you will, over a period of time cease to react at all.”
When I am criticized, I pause, and think of that quote. Then, I really look at the person criticizing me. I look to see…
