Eckhart Tolle tells us our purpose is to awaken.
Awaken to what?
Awaken to the realization that we are all connected. We are not separate.
We are part of a larger consciousness. We are connected to, and are a part of the Divine, Source, God, Presence, Universe, Consciousness, Love or whatever word works for you.
When we realize that, our world shifts away from “I” and our small self with its fears and stories.
All paths agree that we can only awaken when we pause and become a compassionate observer of ourselves. In the present moment, and especially through self inquiry and meditation, we become accepting of all aspects of ourselves and the perceived polarities within us. These polarities may be: clever and stupid; loving and hateful; strong and weak ; generous and mean; open and closed; humble and proud etc. Aspects of ourselves that we might see as light and shadow.
As human beings we all have inner critters, critics, gremlins or judges. It goes with the territory.
However, as long as we believe our inner critic
And judge ourselves harshly
We will remain asleep.
Our purpose begins not with awakening, but by pausing in the moment and becoming a kind observer to all aspects of ourselves…. including our inner critic.
Find Your Middle Ground 
I’d love to hear from you …