Q1 I've been living with unpleasant piti stuck in my head for 13 years. I've accepted it but I'm curious and would not want others to suffer this. I think my willfulness and forcefulness in my meditation, not knowing what to look for is a problem. Can you comment please? 11:53 Q2 With samadhi deepening would you recommend any kind of inquiry or to stay receptive and view how experience naturally unfolds; 15:12 Q3 If samadhi is being in the whole of the body, is there still room for samatha practice using a one-pointed object like the breathing? 17:46 Several similar questions on protecting oneself: Q4 a) There is protection around the heart because it's afraid of being attacked with insults or aggression. How could I manage situations like these? b) Could you please elaborate on how to avoid other people's emotions getting stuck in your system? c) Could you please talk more about breaking the patterns of acquired behaviours from other people or society in general. 42:32 Q5 The inner tyrant shows up during meditation telling me I'm not doing enough and that I should be more mindful, more dedicated. How can I distinguish from what might be encouragement to practice more, from criticism? 46:36 Q6 Can you say more about bringing the energy of thoughts into the body?

Two questions about worry: Q1 Anxiety creeps in and brings imbalance and I fail to immediately recognize the signs. What can you advise? Q2 [continues] When sitting I go through the worry of being a failed mother of a grown-up child. Aversion, and craving how I'd like to see things different. I'm trying to be with these thoughts rather than in them. The inner tyrant exaggerates the situation. How do I deal with the worry? 16:47 Q3 Please explain about, and in what way, consciousness is an element. I've heard Ajahn Sumedho say it is an element. 30:34 Q4 Relationships are complicated and painful. However as my "don't take your life personally" practice goes on, it seems people around me can present problematic relationships. Another one: I've been experiencing feelings of being a misfit. Your speaking about personality as a "me bag" was illuminating and a release from taking it personally. But if I withdraw from others, I meet my inner critic and get berated for not fitting in. So I'm lost either way! Q5 38:03 I've become aware of a familiar feeling of being trapped as a result of my work situation. I can feel it and yet feel at ease at the same time. This was deeply heartening. Q5 41:02 Sometimes when you are talking there's a sharp nasal blowing sound. What's happening? It's quite jolting to the nerves as I'm listening. Also I noticed that you often laugh when things are distressing? What is this about? I don't mean to be respectful.

In this talk we explore the roots of self-judgment, and the ways in which mindfulness, loving kindness, and the recognition of our shared humanity and inner goodness can work together to alleviate the critical mind. This talk was given at a metta retreat so it pays particular attention to using metta to heal the inner critic when obstacles arise .

Includes suggestions for practicing with comparing mind and the inner critic

Evening Talk

Exploring comparing mind and the inner critic as aspects of clinging to self-view