Criticism

Criticism

"To correct is good, for the mind accepts correction; not so is reproach, against which
the mind rebels." 
  __ Colman Mac Beognae, "Apgitir Chabaid"
                (trans. CM)


   Certain kinds of criticism stick in the mind like a thorn. The words of the cleric Colman are specifically addressed to teachers within his monastery, but all who are in positions of authority and responsibility should guard their words carefully, lest reproach rather than correction come to their lips. This is especially true for parents, teachers, and all who deal with the young, who are especially susceptible to reproach. Continued critism, offered in place of helpful suggestion, can overwhelm a child and leave her with little self-esteem. Correction shapes technique and eliminates errors over the course of time, until the student himself becomes expert, able to guide and correct in his turn. Reproach, on the other hand, is like lime: whatever it touches immediately shrinks away. Wherever reproach has spread its acid, nothing further grows.

  Criticism springs from three desires: a desire to improve, a desire to detract and a desire to hide the same fault in oneself. The last of these desires is the deadliest: by casting criticism on others, we throw a convenient smoke screen over our own faults, which often perfectly mirror the thing we have pointed at elsewhere. The only way to guard against unwarranted criticism in daily life is to think first, keep silent when possible, and speak only words that will be received without undue offence.

"Consider a recent situation in which you were criticized or you criticized others. Was correction or reprach used?  What wisdom can you learn from the situation?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]

The Landscape of Myth

For the Celts the outer reflected the inner, and certain places held a strong emotional charge. The sea was the cauldron which gave and took life; the beaches were the border between this world and the Otherworld (of the conscious and the unconscious); the mythical islands visited in the voyage poems each emboidied a particular state of consciouss.  Hills or mountains gave the close access to the world of the sky gods. And under the earth was the world where the fairies and gnomes ruled. 

The elemental world of the fairies

The Celtic fairy could be a dangerous creature who could steal your baby and

replace it with a sickly changeling, or put a hex on your cattle. On the other

hand, in Ireland, the Tuatha De' Danaan (Children of the Goddess Danu) were

tall shining beings with magical skills who lived in another dimension inside the

'hollow hills'. It is the fairies who create the natural world. And any enchanted

place will be the haunt of elemental spirits, if only you have the eyes to see them.

[From: "Celtic Inspirations" by Lyn Webster Wilde]

And here is a link to a video about the Celtic Samhain (nice harp music in the background):

Celtic Festivals; Samhain  -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLZSy1GsvCk&feature=related