Be honest.
Do you sometimes judge others?
I think we all do, even if some of us are hesitant to admit it. We judge people by what they wear, their education, their speech, and what we see on their dinner plate are just just a few examples of how we (as individuals, as groups, as ourselves) judge.
Imagine being free of this burden. While we were on The Camino earlier this summer, we had no energy for judgement because we were not confined by our stations. It did not matter if you were a lawyer, a doctor, a student, a farmer — it did not matter (and no one asked). We were left free to enjoy the company of those we met everyday. The friendship and community we experienced was deeply moving.
It was as though I reached a place that is often sought but mostly missed because of a misplaced expectation – a judgement of what should be found. For me, it was this type of community which was free from burdens and ideas of what one should be that resonated within. The challenge today is to keep this community free of expectations – judgements – alive in myself and in ourselves.
Carl says
My personal rule on this is never to judge a person by something outside their control. I only judge a person, fairly, by that person’s own willed actions. The content of their character. If a person isn’t a doctor or something else that’s rich and fancy, it’s likely a product of socioeconomic disadvantage, and thus not within that person’s cotrol. But if a doctor was a bad doctor, careless perhaps, and needlessly killed a patient, yes, I will fairly judge that doctor to be a bad doctor.
Judgment is also a choice, and if “you” judge a person for being mentally disadvantaged, for example, then I will fairly judge “you” as a bad judge!
Great article, fun thoughts, keep it up!
Tabitha says
Thanks Carl! I think it is a constant practice to remember to step back and consider other reasons, explanations…to try and see things from another’s perspective — to understand from that point of view is challenging.
Raeann Peck says
Just found your blog. Thanks for the thoughts about judging. I suspect that the only appropriate judgment is of ourselves; how to be kinder, more gentle, more charitable. We might imagine that by looking at a person we could judge their lack of discipline, their lack of motivation, etc., but we don’t commondly have the insight into their souls, or their life experiences to make such determinations. I do sometimes judge others as careless, miserable drivers however…..
Raeann Peck says
OOPPSS!! The word is “commonly”. I judge that I ought to have proof read my post before hitting the “Post Comment” button.
Tabitha @ WellJourn says
True words Raeann. How often are we at peace within ourselves to fully allow a true vision of the world the surrounds us? Is it in our moments of peace that we discover a kinder, more gentle and more charitable self? 🙂