Many of us learn to be judge=mental and critical, especially towards ourselves. Metta is a powerful practice to diminish and even transform the tendency towards judging.
The mind is a dynamic process with a certain familiarity to it that seems to reiterate and get stuck in wanting and not wanting. Liberation from this begins with not getting involved with, tussling with or pandering to the habit of craving.
Awareness is a centering place. Not pushing away, not taking a position. It’s a reference point. Rest and remain present to the experiences and expressions of the heart.