The Inner Critic & Self-Judgment
Explore why the inner critic evolved and how it shapes your behavior today.
The Shape You Hold Yourself In
The shape you hold yourself in is rarely questioned.
Shoulders learn their position.
Breath adjusts.
Space is taken carefully.
This shape once reduced risk, once kept you acceptable.
It stayed.
Noticing the outline reveals that the shape is held, not fixed.
Notice embodied shame patterns with DojoWell.
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Articles exploring the psychology behind these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel like my "posture" is always defensive or small?
This is "The Shape You Hold Yourself In." Shame is a physical weight that shapes the body—curving the shoulders, tucking the chin, or tightening the core. By externalizing this posture, you realize it isn't "you"; it’s a protective suit your nervous system put on to survive a high-judgment environment. Seeing the shape as a "structural defense" makes it something you can observe and, eventually, step out of.
Can I change my posture to change how I feel?
Yes, but it must be "Bottom-Up." Instead of forcing a "confident" pose (which can trigger a Status Loop), simply notice where you are "holding" your shame. Soften that specific area. When you release the physical "shape" of shame, you send a direct signal to the Threat & Safety system that the crisis is over. This allows your natural, upright dignity to return without the effort of performance.