Can you tell a critical part to stop criticizing? Read on…
Karin writes:
I have a part that is very critical. It is in my upper chest. I sort of like this part, but sometimes it needs to keep its mouth shut. How do I tell it that?
Dear Karin:
Parts that say critical things are doing it for a reason. In my experience, the reason is always that they are worried about something.
You might think it would help to tell them, “Don’t worry.” But no!
Just as it doesn’t help to tell a person not to worry, it doesn’t typically help with parts either.
For changing your feelings, empathy is actually the most powerful and effective process there is.
In other words, not trying to change it, but listening with empathy to what is driving it to be the way it is. When it is heard, it changes.
For example: “It sounds like you are worried about me. Do you want to tell me more about what worries you?”
Just a hint though: This will lead to lasting change. It’s not just a one-time fix. Be ready for that!
