Dear Kaylen:

Keep in mind that no person is a saint. No person has non-ego, “pretty thoughts’ all the time. No one. Everyone gets angry at other people, everyone sometimes criticizes others for the way they look. it is quick and automatic and it has to do with the fact that we are, after all, animals, not godly creatures made of pure white snow, or clean breezy air, or whatnot.

Over time, if and as we get wiser, we criticize ourselves and others less and less. But it is a process and better practice patience in that process of healing and learning, otherwise- we don’t get to heal and learn.

You wrote: “Recently, I had a breakthrough about patience”- keep this breakthrough in mind and be patient with yourself. When you find yourself criticizing others, remember that others criticize you too. When you find yourself criticizing yourself, remember that others criticizing themselves too. And be patient with yourself and with others (as long as your/ others’ critical thoughts are not expressed in abusive talk/ action).

anita