A Three-Part Parts on Paper Journalling Journey

Meet the Council of Critics

Dates: 22 July – 5 August 2026

Format: Three 75-minute online connection circles (opening, middle and closing), with guided journalling prompts and reflections between sessions.

An Invitation

Most of us know the voice of the Inner Critic.

It tells us we should be doing more, trying harder, getting it right, or simply being someone else.

Over time these voices become so familiar that we mistake them for the truth.

But what if they aren’t the truth?

What becomes possible when those voices are no longer running the show? What might you attempt, create or say if you weren’t constantly negotiating with your inner critics?

What if these voices are simply a group of worried protectors, each trying—rather clumsily—to keep you safe?

Inspired by the work of Jay Earley and Bonnie Weiss in Freedom from Your Inner Critic, this three-part journalling journey introduces what I like to call The Council of Critics.

Rather than thinking of your Inner Critic as one harsh voice, we’ll explore it as an inner council made up of seven familiar characters—each with its own strategy for protecting you.

• The Perfectionist — “It has to be better.”
• The Driver (Taskmaster) — “Keep going.”
• The Inner Controller — “Don’t lose control.”
• The Underminer — “Don’t even try.”
• The Destroyer — “There’s something wrong with you.”
• The Guilt Tripper — “You should feel bad.”
• The Chameleon (Molder) — “Just fit in.”

Throughout the journey you’ll begin to notice which members of your council tend to dominate your inner conversations.

Rather than trying to silence them, we’ll become curious about them.

Because every critic has a job.

Every critic is trying to protect you.

Every critic has a story.

Why journalling?

Writing gives these inner characters somewhere to speak besides your head.

Between our circles you’ll receive gentle journalling prompts to help you notice, map and begin relating differently to the voices within.

You’ll begin to recognise the patterns of self-criticism that influence your work, relationships, creativity and procrastination.

Most importantly, you’ll begin to discover the quieter, wiser presence within you that can listen to these voices without being controlled by them.

Together we’ll explore questions like:

• Which critic has been chairing your inner council this week?
• What is this critic trying to protect?
• When did this voice first begin its job?
• Which critic most often leads you into procrastination?
• What changes when you respond with curiosity instead of judgement?

This isn’t about becoming positive.

It’s about becoming compassionate.

As we develop a different relationship with our critics, we often discover that beneath their harshness lies fear, vulnerability and a deep desire to keep us safe.

When we meet these voices with curiosity instead of resistance, something begins to soften.

By the end of the journey you’ll have:

• A map of your own Council of Critics.
• A simple journalling practice you can continue using.
• Greater awareness of the protective patterns behind self-criticism.
• A more compassionate relationship with the parts of you that work so hard to keep you safe.

Circle Times

Opening Circle
22 July 2026 | 6:00–7:15 PM (South Africa)

Middle Circle
29 July 2026 | 6:00–7:15 PM (South Africa)

Closing Circle
5 August 2026 | 6:00–7:15 PM (South Africa)

Contribution

This journey runs on a donation basis, with a suggested contribution of US$50–100, allowing everyone to participate according to their means.

Join Us

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join us.

Bring a journal.

Bring your curiosity.

Come and meet the members of your Council of Critics—and discover the Self that can finally lead the meeting.