How to Free Yourself from the Superego and Inner Critic
Do you ever feel like you have a constant critic inside your head, judging your every move and thought? This overbearing voice nitpicks everything from your appearance to your work performance, even when others approve of you. It’s never satisfied; the inner critic always finds flaws and fuels feelings of inadequacy.
This judge within goes by many names – superego, inner critic, inner judge. But no matter what you call it, this tyrant sanctions our self-expression, corrodes self-esteem, and prevents us from living freely. It’s time to break free from the shackles of self-judgment and unlock the full potential of your inner world. Only when we detach from the tyranny of the superego and inner critic can we find acceptance, compassion, and deep connection to our authentic self.
Soul Without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself from the Judge Within by Byron Brown
Whether we call it the inner critic, superego, or just plain nag, most of us have a “judge within” who’s constantly on our case. A comprehensive guide to understanding how the inner critic works, this book offers practical, positive suggestions for breaking free of it. Using straightforward language and examples from everyday life, Byron Brown shows:
- Where the inner judge came from
- How it operates
- Why it trips us up
- Why we believe we need it
- How to develop awareness of it
- How to disengage from it
- The “soul qualities” we can develop to weaken its influence
Each chapter begins with an episode of the “Frank and Sue story,” dramatically illustrating how the inner critic works; each chapter ends with a simple exercise designed to help the reader move along the path of self-discovery.
“This a practical and personal tool for those who seek enlightenment and wish to defeat the inner critic.” — Library Journal
“A life preserver for the true soul drowning in a sea of criticisms from its inner judge.” — Independent Publisher
“In very clear and available language, this book details how to recognize the inner critic and how to deal effectively with it. Byron Brown’s presentation is useful for any individual who wishes to be free from the inner suffering and coercion of this ancient foe of our humanity, but it is specifically directed to those interested and engaged in the inner journey toward realization and enlightenment.” — A. H. Almaas
“Soul without Shame is a rare book that blends intellectual depth, genuine originality, and practical usefulness. As Byron Brown envisions the ‘inner critic,’ (the superego) it is a force that most of us accept as a necessary moral compass in our lives, but which in fact attacks us relentlessly and insidiously. Gracefully and persuasively, Brown makes the case that we literally become our own worst enemies, undermining even our most determined efforts to grow and prosper. This book offers rich and fresh insights into an aspect of inner work that is far too often neglected, and also sets out systematic ways to break free of the prison of judgment-both of ourselves and of others.” — Tony Schwartz, author of What Really Matters