Carl Jung noted that: “Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.” So true - UNFORTUNATELY!!
Being judgemental is toxic to our well-being. Mindfulness starts with the expectation that one is non-judgemental of oneself and others and present in that moment. Being judgemental unnecessarily and unhelpfully elevates our sense of status to being better, more correct or important than we are, or the opposite. And how does that improve our well-being or spirits?
Proper judgement involves reasoning. It comes from a place of informed understanding, where we are able to truly see something from all perspectives. Very few truly significant issues are black and white, having a right answer or conclusion. There is a significant difference between making a quick judgement of someone and making an informed, thoughtful and objective one. The Bible says that only God can properly judge others, because only He sees the true motives of the heart. It encourages us to first of all examine ourselves before we think to judge others.
Conclusions that are more thoughtful are nearly always better, but we are encouraged to reserve judgement on others whenever possible. Sometimes we have to make judgements, and then it is important that we are as balanced as possible. Let’s be clear, that takes a lot of effort and critical thinking, but that is the nature of making an objective judgement, it takes a lot of thinking. Thinking is difficult! Being objective is equally difficult but essential.
Figure out what is especially essential in our life, become an expert thereof, seek constructively to be just and judgemental in these domains and let go of the rest. Next, we should judge ourselves, and only afterwards should we proceed to judge others and other matters.
Letting go of our judgemental nature is extremely empowering, and grounding, but very difficult to do. Start by deliberately judging less often and see where it takes you. Definitely a work in progress project.
Reflection Source: www.Smallercup.org
Please freely share and widely, there are no copyright concerns.