The role of self-criticism is to prevent us from repeating a mistake and to keep us safe. For most of us, this voice is turned up WAY too loud, “I made a mistake, I made a mistake”. This self-criticism becomes a block to deep inner happiness, and it activates the body's threat response. We think we are in danger. When we can sit in self-compassion, “I made a mistake, and that’s okay because I’m human”, our nervous system has the opportunity to calm down.