We all do it.  Judge, that is.  It happens when we are not looking … and even when we are looking.  We observe … but then the observation turns to a conclusion about the way things are, the way “they” are, or the way we are. 

Why can’t we just leave our observations at the moment of observation?  What’s this need to turn innocent noticing into hard fast conclusions and judgments?  I’ve seen to many times when my judgments prevent me from experiencing new possibilities, from receiving new ideas, relationship, or joys. 

“Everything I think, feel, say or do belongs to me. I am

responsible for all of it.”  I accept this as true, so I’m assuming that I’m responsible for my judgments as well.  So, again, I ask, what is behind this apparent need to judge?

The moment we shift an observation to a judgment we have moved from the external to the internal.  The judgment is not a commentary on the thing observed, but a reflection of some aspect of my inner world.  Let’ say I observe someone making a choice and judge them as selfish.  I’ve taken an observation and given it meaning, and drawn a conclusion.  But the judgment does not make this person selfish or not.  In fact it does not change the other person at all.  If anything it says more about my need to see them as selfish, than about their character.  

This week, I invite us to notice the moment that you move from observer, to judger.   Ask, “what need do I have to see this this way?”  “How is my judgment serving me?  Protecting me?”  See what shows up, and perhaps together we’ll loosen up some of the judgment filters that only prevent us from experience the beauty of life.

You are Precious.  You are Awesome.

Rev. Kristin