Judging Others

Judging Others by [Madisyn Taylor]( To acknowledge that we have judged and why, is the first step to a path of compassion. Though it is human to evaluate people we encounter based on first impressions, the conclusions we come to are seldom unaffected by our own fears and our own preconceptions. Additionally, our judgments are frequently incomplete. For example, wealth can seem like proof that an individual is spoiled, and poverty can be seen as a signifier of laziness--neither of which may be true. At the heart of the tendency to categorize and criticize, we often find insecurity. Overcoming our need to set ourselves apart from what we fear is a matter of understanding the root of judgment and then reaffirming our commitment to tolerance. When we catch ourselves thinking or behaving judgmentally, we should ask ourselves where these judgments come from. Traits we hope we do not possess can instigate our criticism when we see them in others because passing judgment distances us from those traits. Once we regain our center, we can reinforce our open-mindedness by putting our feelings into words. To acknowledge to ourselves that we have judged, and that we have identified the root of our judgments, is the first step to a path of compassion. Recognizing that we limit our awareness by assessing others critically can make moving past our initial impressions much easier. Judgments seldom leave room for alternate possibilities. Mother Teresa said, "If you judge people, you don't have time to love them." If we are quick to pass judgment on others, we forget that they, like us, are human beings. As we seldom know what roads people have traveled before a shared encounter or why they have come into our lives, we should always give those we meet the gift of an open heart. Doing so allows us to replace fear-based criticism with appreciation because we can then focus wholeheartedly on the spark of good that burns in all human souls. [PRINT]( [SAVE]( [DISCUSS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- DailyOM Course Spotlight [Reframing Your Narrative About Challenging Relationships]( by Kim Schneiderman, LCSW Have you ever noticed that the same type of person keeps showing up in your life and pushing all of your buttons? Why do these individuals and situations keep appearing in the storyline of your life? Is it just to senselessly aggravate you? If you answered "yes," you may feel like a victim, and that probably doesn't feel very good. When we feel like a victim, we feel a heavy sense of powerless that, if gone unchecked, can lead to depression, health issues, and low self-esteem. But what if there was another way to look at challenging people and situations that left you feeling empowered, and perhaps even a little inspired? The good news is that you can reframe such tensions as opportunities to open your heart, expand your awareness, strengthen your emotional muscles, take constructive action, and deepen your appreciation for the mystery of life. In this 10-week course, Kim Schneiderman, LCSW, author of "Step Out of Your Story: Writing Exercises to Reframe and Transform Your Life," presents a series of research-based writing exercises that can help you reframe adversity as a "character development workout," a custom-made, emotional journey designed to help you build strengths while further honing areas within yourself that haven't been fully developed. Using perspective-bending writing exercises, you will tap into the voice of your omniscient narrator to find an elevated, compassionate perspective on your emotionally-charged storyline. This and other writing techniques, some cued with guided meditation, will help you transform self-defeating stories into soul narratives, leaving you feeling inspired and empowered regardless of circumstances. [Learn More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. [Make Yourself a Money Magnet]( 2. [A Year to Get Rich with Purpose]( 3. [Overcoming Body Stiffness]( 4. [Clearing Physical and Emotional Clutter]( 5. [From Codependent to Independent]( 6. [21 Day Total Goddess Workout]( 7. [21 Day Yoga Shred For Men]( 8. [15 Minute Yoga for Aches and Pains]( 9. [Chair Yoga for Healing, Strength and Mobility]( 10. [14 Day Spinal Reset]( > [More Courses]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Home]( | [Inspiration]( | [Courses]( | [Horoscopes]( | [Gift Shop]() [Email Settings]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Help/FAQ]( © 2019 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission. Subscribed as {NAME}[at]gmail.com (1276706) [1]