Unmasking the Inner Critic: Lessons for Living an Unconstricted Life

by Andrew Lang

FBT review:

Unmasking the Inner Critic is an inspiring non-fiction book by Andrew Lang that delves into the inner journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. This book embodies the teachings of mystics, saints, poets, and prophets to guide readers in overcoming their fears and negative narratives. Lang offers actionable advice and prompts, which include reflection questions, contemplative practices, and his personal story, to help readers develop a deeper connection with their inner selves. The book is an ideal read for progressive Christians, secular seekers, and anyone interested in deconstructing their faith. It helps readers to live a healthier, more confident, and well-grounded life. Unmasking the Inner Critic is also the winner of the 2023 International Firebird Book Award in Mind/Body/Spirit. This must-read book is perfect for those seeking personal transformation, spiritual growth, and the unmasking of their inner critic. It is an essential addition to any indie book lover's collection.

Publisher Description:

2023 Pacific Book Award (Best Spirituality)
2023 International Firebird Book Award (Best Mind/Body/Spirit)

“A beautiful and accessible guidebook to help you do the inner work central to the act of being human.”

––Brian D. McLaren, author, activist, and teacher with the Center for Action and Contemplation

Find freedom from your inner critic and learn to let go of anxiety with practices and teachings from contemplative spirituality and various wisdom traditions.

I’m not good enough. I’m not in control. I don’t know who I am.

These constrictions are brutal. But who among us hasn’t felt one of these constrictions at some point in our lives?

Rooted in the teachings of mystics, saints, poets, and prophets, Unmasking the Inner Critic offers guidance and support for how to move beyond some of our most challenging fears and negative inner narratives.

With an intuitive blend of reflection questions, contemplative practices, action prompts, and his own personal story, Andrew Lang shares the wisdom from secular poets and therapists—as well as from Christianity, Buddhism, and Sufism—that has grounded his workshops for almost a decade.

Discover how to:
- do the work of inner excavation with spiritual practices that hold and embolden it,
- dig deeper for a more authentic way of living and being who you truly are,
- lay aside the masks that keep you from fully experiencing the world,
- engage the inner life as the beginning of sustainable activism, and
- live a healthier, more confident, and well-grounded life.

The perfect book for progressive Christians, secular seekers, and those who are deconstructing Christianity, Unmasking the Inner Critic helps us expand our spirituality beyond the institution of religion for our personal transformation and communal healing.

Move beyond the inner narratives that hold you back and rediscover the world as deeply interconnected, filled with inherent dignity, and inviting us to embody something new.

“An ancient-mystic-remedy for the bodily aches of internalized messages.”
––Troy Bronsink, founder of The Hive: A Center for Contemplation, Art, and Action

“A practical workbook full of introspective journal prompts, exercises, and resources–I’ll be returning to it again and again!”
––Melissa Reed, spiritual director and yoga instructor