I have watched myself become so involved in the stories and drama within my workplace lately. I was then recently reminded of what was important when my sister shared a quote with me, “Judging a person does not define who they are it defines who you are. “ So simple, and it brought me straight back to truth. Each judgment that arises towards others has come up as an insight for us to reflect on ourselves. Whether that be because you are judging yourself or another. Finding that difference between judgment and discernment is the challenge. In Judgement-we feel a discomfort in a situation so we turn to blame and separation. This is created by Ahamkara, the ego. To reach discernment, however, is essentially the process of self enquiry. Not allowing yourself to fall down the deep rabbit hole….and it brings us back to what is true.
But why do we even go there in the first place?? There are times when judgments’ make us feel superior because our ego has a fearful need to be right. A part of us thinks that if we are seeing this person or situation more clearly, then surely we must be ‘better’ than them! And yes this supports the ego BUT this only creates separation, and the goal of yoga is union and oneness. The faults we judge so harshly in others usually turn out to be our own negativities projected outwards. We all fall into this trap, me included. How can we change our own difficult personality traits, our fears, wounds and resistances without judging ourselves for having them? Sometimes it is hard to catch yourself in the moment, but even if we have the awareness of reflection afterwards then we have already begun the healing. “Real discernment, I've always found, starts with the willingness to ask questions. If you keep asking those questions, you will often get to the place where there are no answers at all, the place where you are just...present. Judgments dissolve in that place. Then you don't have to strive for discernment; discernment is as natural as the breath.” Sally Kempton
Simple Reminders...
· Judgement dissolves in the present moment;
· Notice any perceptions of your practice that arise, and ask yourself if it is coming from the judging mind and if so keep enquiring;
· Discomfort is a signal to pay attention;
· Discernment comes when you resist the tendency to blame;
· The source of your discomfort will lead you to true wisdom and strength;
· When we acknowledge our feelings with honesty we are listening to our authentic self.
By letting go of judgement’s of ourselves and of others, we are closer to releasing any suffering we experience. Whenever it arises remind yourself: “I am loving and compassionate. I see no separation between myself and others.”
There are many realities that coexist and your truths are not always the same as someone elses. It takes courage and immensely good heart to let people be who they really are. Sometimes there are good people on both sides of the war. It does not have to always be black and white. There exists a lot of grey in between-HUGE expanses of it!
For all of those people out there who I have inflicted my judgements on, I am sorry. And thank you for being my teacher. Namaste.
Love and Light,
Seriya x
But why do we even go there in the first place?? There are times when judgments’ make us feel superior because our ego has a fearful need to be right. A part of us thinks that if we are seeing this person or situation more clearly, then surely we must be ‘better’ than them! And yes this supports the ego BUT this only creates separation, and the goal of yoga is union and oneness. The faults we judge so harshly in others usually turn out to be our own negativities projected outwards. We all fall into this trap, me included. How can we change our own difficult personality traits, our fears, wounds and resistances without judging ourselves for having them? Sometimes it is hard to catch yourself in the moment, but even if we have the awareness of reflection afterwards then we have already begun the healing. “Real discernment, I've always found, starts with the willingness to ask questions. If you keep asking those questions, you will often get to the place where there are no answers at all, the place where you are just...present. Judgments dissolve in that place. Then you don't have to strive for discernment; discernment is as natural as the breath.” Sally Kempton
Simple Reminders...
· Judgement dissolves in the present moment;
· Notice any perceptions of your practice that arise, and ask yourself if it is coming from the judging mind and if so keep enquiring;
· Discomfort is a signal to pay attention;
· Discernment comes when you resist the tendency to blame;
· The source of your discomfort will lead you to true wisdom and strength;
· When we acknowledge our feelings with honesty we are listening to our authentic self.
By letting go of judgement’s of ourselves and of others, we are closer to releasing any suffering we experience. Whenever it arises remind yourself: “I am loving and compassionate. I see no separation between myself and others.”
There are many realities that coexist and your truths are not always the same as someone elses. It takes courage and immensely good heart to let people be who they really are. Sometimes there are good people on both sides of the war. It does not have to always be black and white. There exists a lot of grey in between-HUGE expanses of it!
For all of those people out there who I have inflicted my judgements on, I am sorry. And thank you for being my teacher. Namaste.
Love and Light,
Seriya x
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