Profile
Photos
Comments
Staying Open And Fluid
Judgment Versus Opinion
Most of us understand that when we judge someone, or someone judges us,
it is a negative emotional experience. As a result, we naturally want
to avoid being judgmental, but this gets confusing when we feel we have
to suppress thoughts that could actually be offering us guidance. For
example, we may meet someone new and suppress a negative feeling about
them, thinking that we don’t want to fall into the trap of being
judgmental. Later, though, it may turn out that paying attention to
that thought could have helped us take care of ourselves or someone
else.
It is important to learn to distinguish inner guidance, and having an
opinion, from judgment, otherwise we run the risk of not listening to
our intuition and not allowing ourselves to form opinions. Inner
guidance and opinions both help us to interact more intelligently in
the world, so we don’t want to throw them out in an effort to avoid
being judgmental. Our intuition usually makes itself known to us in a
flash, and often has a physical component—a flutter in our stomachs,
sweaty palms, or a chill. When we use this information to help us
navigate a situation, we always benefit. Similarly, having an opinion
about a person or an idea allows us to converse about it in a focused
way with intention. Listening to our intuition and forming opinions are
both positive outcomes of our ability to interpret the information that
comes our way.
When we make a judgment, on the other hand, we attempt to have a
final say on whether someone or something is inherently good or bad.
Judgments close us down instead of opening us up; opinions have a
lighter quality and are amenable to change. Once a judgment has been
made, there is no more conversation or consideration, whereas opinions
invite further debate. Intuition guides us from moment to moment, but,
unlike judgment, never makes a final decree. In other words, it is only
healthy to be open to the information we receive and to allow ourselves
to process that information. As long as we stay open and fluid, we can
trust that we have not fallen prey to the trap of judgment.
Today's DailyOM brought to you by:
