JUDGMENT AND UNDERSTANDING

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