On the Inner Critic...

I like this article on "Silencing the Inner Critic" by Christina Feldman.  She notes: "In the Sufi tradition, it is suggested that our thoughts should pass through three gates. At the first gate, we ask of our thought, 'Is it true?' If so, we let the thought pass through to the second gate, where we ask, 'Is it necessary or useful?' If this also is so, we let the thought continue on its way to the third gate, where we ask, 'Is this thought rooted in love and kindness?' Judgmental thoughts, which are neither true, helpful, nor kind, falter at the gates."

http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=3412