Is our island nation base only on talk and casting judgment on others? I have to ask this question because our society is slow turning into this huge talk show cesspool. Can you believe on our little island of Dominica there are over eight different talk shows? That’s a full dosage of judgment versus opinion all tied up into politics or personal gain everyday.
Most of us don’t understand that whenever we judge someone, or someone judges us, it is a negative emotional experience. For that reason, we should avoid being judgmental, but this can get a bit confusing – when we feel we have to suppress thoughts that could actually be offering us guidance.
It’s important that we learn to distinguish between our inner guidance, and having an opinion, from judgment. Otherwise we run the risk of not listening to our own perceptions and allow ourselves to form opinions solely on personal judgment. 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 good or bad – bias or fair. Judgments close us down instead of opening us up – just look around our world today; 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 – which in turn will stimulate ideas and growth. Intuition guides us from moment to moment, but, unlike judgment, never makes it final.
In other words, it is only healthy we stay open to the information we receive and to allow ourselves to process that information before making a comment. As long as we stay open and true in our thinking, we can trust that we have not fallen victim to the trap of judgment.
