I find myself judging others without being conscious of it. As I was walking today I saw this woman with three German Shepherds on leashes and another four or five babies in a basket. I thought: ”Is she crazy?“ And there you have it.
Judgment.
How do I know what’s going on with her and if she’s enjoying the hell out of that experience? I’m sure I’m being judged too. We’re all being judged. In an ideal world the judgment is reserved for discerning what’s safe and what isn’t. We need judgment, but judging others when we know nothing about them and even when we do know about them, is not a lofty way to be. So what do I do?
I observe myself and become more aware of when I’m passing judgment and then I take it back. I stop myself when I think about it. I get real curious and wonder why someone would want to walk all the dogs at the same time. Why is everybody putting fences up around their property? How come people love these perfectly manicured lawns with grass that requires so much water when we’re in a water shortage crisis? I could go on and on because every day is an opportunity to be curious rather than judgmental.
When you have time to be with yourself, by yourself, and for yourself, you have time to notice the thoughts, feelings and sensations. It doesn’t mean you have to fix yourself, necessarily. However, you could notice patterns and behaviors that you want to change and you can do that. I’ve done that and I continue to do it.
Nobody’s coming to rescue you or fix you or heal you. I don’t care if it’s a doctor, Reiki practitioner, massage therapist or the chiropractor. The healing begins and ends with you. Sometimes we need a spark or catalyst. I’m in awe of people I see that look like they’re healed or look like they have the answers or look like they’re a wise guru. Like the Berenstain Bears book I used to read to my children about not judging a book by its cover, looks can be deceiving.
What’s happening on the inside is what matters. As humans, there are certain things that we all think, say and do or say and do without thinking. Or maybe we overthink in some instances. It’s part of this human experience, to navigate life on planet Earth as a consciousness or spirit in a body. We couldn’t learn all the lessons if we were just floating through space with not a care in the world.
So what’s the lesson here? I’m always about sharing wisdom or learning from other wise individuals. So I would say the lesson is be curious and not judgmental. Reserve judgment for when it’s necessary to stay safe and healthy. We can judge the junk food as bad for our health. Why not? It’s for our own good, right?
We don’t get to judge other people for going for the junk food everyday because they’re probably going through something that we have no idea about. You can be inwardly focused and outwardly focused at the same time. Know what you’re bringing into the world on any particular day, the energy you’re carrying, the thoughts, the feelings, and also be aware of who’s around you and what they could be feeling or experiencing. At least be open to not judging them for something they might say or do.
What are you curious about today? Allow that to lead and see where it takes you, and I’ll do the same.