What if the question “Do people really like me?” is less about others and more about how we meet ourselves? On day four of our inner critic series, we turn toward acceptance and likability with a grounded, practical approach that blends mindfulness, body awareness, and compassionate realism. Rather than debating the critic on its terms, we slow down, listen to the stories that surface in social spaces, and feel their imprint in the body—tight jaws, tense shoulders, or a breath that never quite lands.

We walk through a brief guided practice designed to help you contact safety and support in the present moment. Feet on the floor, attention in the body, we gently test phrases like “I am likable,” “I accept myself,” and “There are people who genuinely like me,” noticing what resonates and where the critic objects. You’ll learn to label the critic’s voice without fusing with it, shift focus from arguments to sensations, and use those signals as data for kinder action. Along the way, we explore common triggers—work dynamics, friendship circles, and family roles—and sketch simple ways to prepare your nervous system before you step into those rooms.

By the end, acceptance becomes a trainable skill rather than a verdict from the crowd. We highlight how to gather balanced evidence of real connection, set intentions that align with your values, and carry this awareness throughout your day and week. If you’re ready to loosen the grip of self-doubt and show up with more ease and congruence, this session offers a calm, clear path forward. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who could use it, and leave a review with one insight you’re taking into your next conversation.

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Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life.

Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work.

Each episode offers a mix of:

• Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings
• Conversations with respected meditation teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers
• Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers
• Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change

If you’re interested in:

• Mindfulness meditation for everyday life
• Trauma-sensitive and compassion-based practices
• Teaching mindfulness in an authentic, non-performative way
• Deepening your own practice while supporting others

…you’re in the right place.

Learn more at MindfulnessExercises.com.