You may have heard a saying something to the effect that when we judge someone that is a quality within ourselves we do not like or covet. Something akin to looking at ourselves in a mirror and finding flaws. For instance, if you see someone you feel is overweight maybe you assume something about their lifestyle.
You may describe them with words like, lazy, sloppy, unmotivated, or gluttonous. But you yourself haven't been to a gym or exercised in years. Maybe you have a health condition that precludes you from doing so...maybe they do as well. You judged someone knowing nothing about them.
Do
you find yourself condemning a particular persons (celebrity or other)
action whom you personally do not even know? Maybe they wore an outfit that
made a headline and you made a judgment about that style or a recent role they
played in a movie. Maybe your coworker ate a little too much at the company's
annual potluck lunch and you made a comment under your breath about portion
size.
Consider
this, if you are joyful that you are alive, that you are capable of walking
this Earth, doing good for other, then how do you have the mindset to judge
others? When we see that celebrity wearing an expensive dress or suit be joyful
for them. They worked hard, just like you do. And even though their
circumstance is not like yours they are deserving of the same joyful emotions
that you seek.
When
an individual or group of people are the beneficiaries of a windfall that at
one time you might have been a part of be joyful that someone has had their
burdened eased. Jealousy, envy, the 'what about me' statements are poisons that
destroy wellbeing.
So
how may you start to minimize and then ultimately stop judging? We simply start
small.
You
don't like her lipstick? They're not your lips so it's not an issue for you.
His
belt is on the last hole? Maybe the belt has was a gift from a loved one who
passed.
This
person has a face tattoo or piercings. They are working hard to provide for
their, or family members, daily care just like you.
As
you catch yourself in these small situations the practice naturally migrates
towards larger examples, like a co-worker get the promotion you felt should
have been yours.
As mindfulness practitioners we engage in non-judgmental awareness, ‘this is this and that is that’. It is neither good nor bad, neither desirable nor undesirable. It simply is. By adopting this mindset, we allow ourselves to truly experience freedom and liberation from hurting ourselves and others. We reduce the suffering in the world.
When
you allow openness into your mind and heart you no longer have room for
judgment. Instead, that space has now been filled with the joyfulness and
compassion for others...and us.
Wishing you continued peace and wellbeing,
Vladimir
You are warmly invited to follow on us on Facebook and Instagram at @bluelotuscenter for more ways to improve your mindfulness practice and wellbeing.
Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.
Website and monthly newsletter: www.bluelotusmeditation.us
For guided meditations and Dharma talks, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment