Ordinary Mind Zen School Working with Cricticism
Jan 5, 2026
A talk about receiving criticism and shifting from aversion to curiosity. Practices for noticing emotional reactions and returning to bodily sensation are explored. The speaker discusses inner compassion alongside wise external boundaries and consequences. Ancient sutra stories and Hakuin’s teaching illustrate accepting praise and blame without attachment.
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Personal Complaint That Became Practice
- Geoff Dawson experienced a recent three-week complaint that caused sleepless nights until he asked for and received details.
- Once he had facts the anxiety settled and practice shifted from mental arguing to investigating the inner reaction.
Welcome Criticism And Come Back To The Body
- Welcome the criticism as a teaching instead of reacting with aversion or clever mental arguments.
- Bring attention into the body, notice emotions like anger or anxiety, and repeatedly return to bodily experience rather than mental defense.
Criticism Reveals Hidden Identities
- Practice includes not attaching to outcomes while staying present with unpleasant reactions.
- Use criticism to reveal what identity or self-view you cling to, for example attachment to being a person of good character.