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
Thank you Leanne and Squidoo Lens Reviews for featuring my lens here. What a nice surprise this morning!
ReplyDeleteYour comments and review have grasped my thoughts exactly. Your review, comments left in the guestbook etc. help me to learn of other's perspectives. Since we all have different life experiences it's helpful to kow how other people feel about overcoming judgment, feeling judged, forgiving and all those different parts that go along with it.
Thanks again!
Paige aka puzzlemaker
My book has arrived and as soon as Freedom Fest is over, I will begin reading it and studying it. Thanks again for the heads up on this book.
ReplyDeleteLeanne, first of all, I like the layout of this review, it's spaced differently, very calming. Secondly, I am so glad that you pointed out Paige's wonderful lens. There is so much wisdom there and I told her that it was so much more than a book review. It clearly shows how this book changed her. I recently heard the Dalai Lama speak and one phrase that stuck out for me was to develop internal nonviolence. If we're honest with ourselves, like Paige said, we are constantly judging. And your writeup really made me want to read this page. A great way to start my day.
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ReplyDeleteLeanne, love your choice for a review today. Had read Paige's article last night and was so very touched by it. Let's all "drop our rocks" become better souls for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for the book from Amazon...just had to order it after languishing over this beautifully inspired lens the other day! Great review Leanne.
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent lens to review! I, too, had previously read Paige's lens and was deeply touched by it. It was a gentle reminder to us that none of us are "without sin."
ReplyDeleteA great review to read to Leanne. You did a wonderful job of reviewing the lens and preparing the reader.
An excellent lens to review, Leanne! Paige did a superb job of sharing not only a book review, but her own experiences of being judged and judging others. That made it a very interesting read. :)
ReplyDeletePaige has a wonderful way of telling a story -- as indeed do you, Leanne. A thought-provoking review of a thought-provoking lens... There are many lessons to be learned here. I agree that learning to let go can be the hardest part.
ReplyDelete