What's your first response when you hear the question, "Are you judgmental of others?"

Do you find yourself automatically saying, "No way. I don't judge," or do you hear yourself making sort of a "pfff" sound with your mouth before saying, "Nope. Not me"?

Is your answer truthful??

I think if we're honest, we're all judgmental of others to a certain extent. Even if we don't want to be. Even if we don't believe in being judgmental.

Maybe we're not even aware that we're doing it.

This was the case for lensmaster, puzzlemaker. She writes, "Have you ever had one of those moments when you were gently (or not so gently) nudged into an understanding that forces you to change your thinking?" For puzzlemaker, this came in the form of a tiny, but powerful book. She continues, "Glancing through the pages, I felt the warm oil of an epiphany pouring over me. I continued skimming the book and an encompassing understanding filled me. I was judging people."

I love the honesty.

And I appreciate the fact that puzzlemaker chose to share her realization and her journey with others through this lens on overcoming judgment of others. She does a great job of weaving in a review of the book that touched her life, as well as highlighting her journey from judgment to love.

A key point that puzzlemaker highlights is the value of all human beings. This is something that I believe strongly in. There's no place for judgment in the midst of fellow humans who are all infinitely worthy. With this awareness, love replaces judgment: "What if I put LOVE in the place of judgment? What if I lift someone up instead of tearing them down with my words? What if I point out something good about someone in the midst of their problems? How will it change their day? How will it change mine?"

With empathy, puzzlemaker also looks at things from the perspective of what it feels like to be judged and she addresses the vital element of forgiveness.

What's your experience with judging or being judged?

Did this lens help to change your thinking?

Visit: Overcoming Judgment of Others

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