Judgment and understanding
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On occasion, it is useful and necessary to make judgments
about what other people do and say. Much of the time,
though, it can be a waste of your time and energy.
In fact, one of the biggest obstacles to effective listening
is the habit of continually and immediately making judgments
about what is being said. When the mind is so preoccupied
with judging and criticizing, it has no space left for
learning and understanding.
Different people have different approaches to life and
different opinions. In that diversity there is much value.
Yet when you are too quick to pass judgment, you can miss
much of that value. When you become too focused on showing
how clever you are or proving your point, you can pass up
the opportunity to gain real wisdom.
Certainly it is appropriate and wise that you exercise
judgment to prevent others from harming you or taking
advantage of you. Remember, though, to balance that judgment
with understanding and acceptance.
Relax your judgment and you'll increase your awareness. The
more often you practice acceptance, the more wisdom and
understanding you'll gain.
Ralph Marston
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