Soul without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself from the Judge Within

Byron Brown has written a one-of-a-kind book about that voice inside of us that criticizes us, advises us, warns us, compares us to others and tells us what's acceptable for us. While there are other books on this inner critic, also known as the Superego in Freudian psychology, Brown's book is written from the perspective of human personal and spiritual development rather than the psychology of neurosis. This approach results in understanding and practical tools for the reader that go far beyond the ordinary descriptions of the inner critic.Brown explains how the inner critic is a collection of opinions, standards and behaviors that we learned when we were little, mostly from our parents. The critic functions as an internal parent, advising us what's right for us, morally, socially and personally. For example: "Work hard, don't cry, don't show anger, be careful of such-and-such people, be a nice girl, be a big boy." Whenever we are doing something that this internal parent considers "wrong", it becomes a critic that uses shame, blame, humiliation, threats and fear to get us back in line.While this internal critic was helpful when we were young and kept us out of trouble, as adults its control has become largely unnecessary and, in fact, is now stifling us in our everyday life. We have sufficient wisdom, intelligence and plain common sense to lead our lives, but our inner critic continues to run much of the show. It keeps us small, tells us we're screw-ups, scares us away from anything new, threatens us with ridicule by others and warns us not to make waves. And the disconcerting thing about it is that we think this is us, giving ourselves good, truthful advice, while it's really a repetitive and constricting ghost from the past. What's more, the inner critic uses our own vitality to power its constant judging and commentary, sapping us of the strength we need to live our lives fully.Brown describes the origins of the inner critic, its effects on one's life, and in chapters 18 and 20 details the most revolutionary part of the book: defending against the inner critic. Readers may be a bit shocked at the strength of the language Brown uses to tell the inner critic to shut up and get out. But upon trying the exercises we can feel how our strength, usurped by the inner critic, once again becomes available to us so we can stand up to the criticism and act freely in our lives, guided by our own capacities.Soul without Shame is a precise and multifaceted manual to understand and become free of the inner critic's limiting action in our lives. The recurring scenes between Frank and Sue give a direct illustration of the main points the book makes, as do the many case studies. Altogether, this book is for anyone who wants to know more about that critical voice in their head and learn how to live life more fully.

HIGHLY recommend this book -- very helpful and informative.BOOKSELLER: 5 STARS -- PRISTINE used copy & good delivery time.This book is well-written, interesting, dense, sometimes humorous. Provides supportive and positive content with excellent guidance, real-life examples, resources, index, and more. Includes writing exercises for self-inquiry and insight. One can read from beginning to end, or open to the chapter you most resonate with 'now' and reflect on the content. The author reminds us that there is always hope. Self-change is a challenging journey, two steps forward & one back is not unusual. This book will offer guidance and encouragement along the way to keep going. Discovering that the inner 'critic' originated to protect -- not hinder -- was valuable information; the author provides effective tools toward understanding and sublimating this 'critic' when it has ceased to support our best growth and thriving. With revised perspectives and practice, and maintaining faith that change can happen, self-love and acceptance remain possible at any age; the results will transform all aspects of life and relationships.Related helpful books:The Wisdom of Negative Thinking -- Tony Humphreys, PhD/The Crossing Press, CA (2001)Always Change a Losing Game -- David B. Posen, MD/Key Porter Books Ltd, Canada (1994)

This book is virtually priceless.The insights into who we really are is of the most value in this book.Also, the depth of insights into how self-criticism blocks us from being who we really are are powerful.The methods discussed to help with overcoming self-criticism are very helpful.The focus of the book I personally found most valuable is on understanding and valuing essential qualities of who we really are. I find it to be most helpful with overcoming our tendency to empower our self-criticisms.The author bridges the gap between who we really are and the reality of self-critisicm so well, as well as provides helpful ways to support freeing ourselves from the self-limiting ways we find ourselves stuck with.I highly recommend it.

The book is in great condition, better than described. Very satisfied, thanks!

Es un libro muy bien trabajado, muy detallado y que sin duda cubre este tema en profundidad y desde un punto de vista filosófico pero práctico. Personalmente pienso que es el mejor libro que he leído sobre desarrollo y superación personal

The first time I read this book some years back, I wasn’t ready. Reading it again now, and I get it. It’s one of the most practical and direct books on the practice of letting go of attachment and resistance and embracing presence. Through addressing the internal judge that’s essentially an internalised parent-child.

Trying to think which book to read whilst lounging on holiday, usually a thriller would come to mind.But I'd been recommended this book many times and thought, lets see if this "inner critic" can be quietened.Uncomfortable in places, even had to stop reading and doing the exercises for a couple of days, think my ego was a little battered.But there was something very appealing and made a lot of sense with the way Byron writes. And he sure knows this material.If you can haul yourself (kindly) and look at your life and all that has shaped you until now with this books help, I have to say it is transformational.The understanding and release from such an old foe, that can be so limiting at times feels very liberating with a new sense of capacity I dont think has every been available to me before.So thank you Mr Brown for writing this and I hope this helps you, as it has me and my happier soul :-)

The best book ever written on our inner judge, saboteur, gremlin or whatever you choose to call it. The negative voice we all have in our heads that never stop talking to us. Byron Brown writes the quintessential book on how to identify this inner judge and how you can move away from it. He provides excellent exercises along the way. I have recommended this book to many, many clients over the years. As a Life Coach it is mandatory reading for my clients! Read a few pages then stop, write some notes, be aware of what you notice and when you're ready, keep reading. Beautifully written but must be read being aware of how much you can absorb at one sitting. Enjoy and learn!