The Way of Lent: A Journey of Presence & Becoming
Extra Lesson – Tuesday: The Inner Critic & Lent

Introduction: Stepping Into Lent & Confronting the Inner Critic

As we enter Lent, we step into a season of reflection, stripping away distractions and turning inward. But often, when we create space for silence, another voice emerges—the inner critic.

This voice whispers doubts, feeds insecurities, and makes us question whether we are enough. It tells us we are failing, that our efforts don’t matter, that our spiritual journey is lacking. This critical voice can distort our experience of Lent, keeping us from fully engaging in the process of presence and becoming.

But what if we didn’t just silence the critic? What if we learned to recognize, reframe, and transform it?

Today’s extra lesson invites you to explore how the inner critic shapes your journey—through a visual experiment, reflection, and a powerful practice of self-compassion.

Watch: The Lab – INNER CRITIC

This short film is part of Canon’s creative experiment series, “The Lab.” In this episode, professional photographers were given a simple challenge—capture a compelling portrait. But they had no idea that they would be fed negative thoughts through an earpiece while working. (Note: The photographers in this video are capturing images of ballet dancers, who are dressed in contemporary dance attire that may be minimal in coverage.)

What unfolded was a stark illustration of how the inner critic impacts what we create—not just in art, but in life, faith, and self-perception.

Watch: THE LAB – INNER CRITIC | How Your Thoughts Change What You Create

Reflection: How Does the Inner Critic Show Up in Your Life?

After watching, take a moment to reflect on the following questions. Write your responses in a journal or sit quietly with them in prayer or meditation:

  • What did you notice about how the photographers responded to the negative feedback?

  • Have you ever felt your own inner critic influencing your actions, your faith, or your relationships? In what ways?

  • If Lent is a time of renewal, how might this voice of self-judgment be distorting or limiting your experience?

  • What would it mean to enter Lent without the weight of self-criticism? What could open up for you?

Practice: Rewriting the Inner Narrative

This exercise will help you identify and shift the way the inner critic speaks in your life. Grab a notebook or journal and walk through the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the Inner Critic’s Voice

Write down one or two self-critical thoughts that frequently arise for you during Lent or in your spiritual life. Be honest. What do you tell yourself about your worth, your efforts, or your relationship with God?

Examples:

  • “I’m not disciplined enough to practice Lent well.”

  • “I always fail when I try to commit to something spiritual.”

  • “I don’t belong in faith spaces because I doubt too much.”

Step 2: Name the Source

Ask yourself: Where did this belief come from? Is it something you were taught? A message you internalized from past experiences? A defense mechanism?

Gently acknowledge that this voice is not necessarily truth, but rather a reflection of past conditioning, fear, or insecurity.

Step 3: Speak Compassionately to Yourself

Now, rewrite each critical thought with self-compassion. Imagine you are speaking to a close friend who feels this way. How would you respond to them?

Examples:

  • “Lent isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up as I am.”

  • “Failure is part of growth. My effort, no matter how small, matters.”

  • “Faith isn’t about certainty—it’s about trust, and it’s okay to wrestle.”

Step 4: A Simple Breath Practice

Place your hand over your heart. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, whisper the compassionate truth you just wrote. Repeat it three times, letting it settle in your body. Let this be your practice for Lent—whenever self-criticism arises, meet it with kindness.

Closing Thought: Lent as a Space for Grace

Lent is not a performance. It is not about measuring up or proving anything. It is an invitation into presence—into being with God, with yourself, and with what is real.

The inner critic will show up. But this season is about learning to meet yourself with grace. Just as the photographers in The Lab discovered, what we tell ourselves shapes what we create—not just in art, but in faith, in community, and in how we experience God.

This week, whenever the voice of the critic rises, pause. Breathe. And choose a different voice—one of gentleness, belonging, and invitation.

Next Steps:

  • Write your reflections in your journal.

  • Practice the Step 4 Breath Practice whenever self-criticism arises.

  • Share in the discussion space: What did this exercise reveal to you about your inner critic and your Lenten journey?

May this extra lesson help you step into Lent with freedom, trust, and grace.