Criticism can hard to listen to. It can be hard to not take it personally. It can be hard to not get defensive. It can be hard to not shut down. It can be hard to not judge yourself harshly.

Keep in mind that any feedback, whether praise or criticism, is a reflection of the other person. Some people are good sources of feedback. Some people genuinely care about us. Some are honest. Some are helpful. Other people don’t care about our well being. Other people are dishonest (whether intentionally or unintentionally). Other people just aren’t that helpful.

YOU don’t have to accept the criticism. You have a choice. You don’t HAVE to think or react any certain way.

Sometimes there can be value in criticism. Be present. Be open minded. Make the effort to hear what the person is actually saying. Sometimes the criticism is offered in an overly emotional or ‘unfair’ way, but learning to deal with feedback gracefully can allow us to open up and receive the message that is INTENDED for us.

Criticism can provide an insight. It can be an opportunity for you to gain a deeper understanding. If the criticism is coming from a genuine place then there is likely something there for us to learn from. You can’t hear it or see it for what it is when you’re on autopilot, reacting out of habit. If you automatically take everything personally, get defensive, or shutdown, then you’ll never be able to deal with criticism gracefully.

When we can be present, open minded, and listen to criticism then we have the privilege of making a decision. We can choose to learn what can be learned and to discard the rest. With mindfulness, we can learn to navigate criticism gracefully.