More on the Inner Critic

We often want to learn a new skill or a technique, but once we try it, we make excuses as to why we can’t do it. I hear from my students all the time, “It’s too hard”, or “I will never get it”, or “You make it look so easy”. I think the clue here is “It looks so easy, so effortless, anyone can do it.” This can create the illusion that we can achieve something without hard work and practice, I want to do it because art is supposed to be easy, if its not then I really can’t be bothered to develop the necessary technique and skill. Have you heard that voice before? The desire may be there, but once attempted, and reality sets it, the inner critic, or inner doubter maybe just doesn’t want to make a true effort.

If we want to learn, to achieve something, then no matter what it takes we will make the effort and succeed. I have students who get it right away, but really don’t care, and I have some who don’t get it easily and just keep plugging away. The inner doubter may slow us down, but we eventually arrive at our destination. We need to look at our motives for not doing art or music or theater or writing. When that voice of doubt or criticisms pops up, where is it coming from? Who is speaking, is it an old memory or is it our desire to be perfect in everything we do that keeps us from trying something new? Do we have to listen and believe what that voice is saying? A key to silencing my inner critic or at least to ignore it is my strong desire to make things with my hands and be creative. This requires two things practice and self inquiry. I draw, make pots, and write, because that is who I am, being creative makes me sparkle inside and out. I have come to realize my motives for making art and to trust my inner voice are exclusively for myself and no one else. It’s personal, and when I approach it from that perspective, then I don’t’ compare myself to others or their talents and gifts.