In my last blog post, I explored the practice of non-judgment. Why focus on this? Because judgment is often reductive and divisive. It fosters a sense of separation between a “me” here judging a “you” there, or creates inner conflict as “I” judge “myself.”
Practicing non-judgment doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to reality. It’s not about wearing rose-colored glasses that ignore the darker sides of life and its complexities. Instead, it involves approaching situations with wisdom and an acknowledgment of our shared humanity. For instance, when you observe someone behaving rudely or insensitively, consider asking yourself, “I wonder what might be causing them to act this way?” We are all products of our conditioning and environment.
With good judgment, you can perceive clearly and differentiate between a person's behavior and their character. For example, someone who frequently complains isn’t necessarily a complainer at their core. They might be experiencing significant pressure, pain, or simply be unaware of how often they express dissatisfaction.
Discernment is another term for good judgment. It allows you to read others and situations accurately and make thoughtful decisions about how to engage with them. It’s about understanding what resonates with you personally. Since none of us have unlimited time, energy, or attention, it’s essential to use discernment to determine how to allocate yours wisely.