The Cure for Judgment

The cure for judgment is observation or noticing. How do you cultivate an observing mind? Mindfulness.

“The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

To be mindful is to be so present to what you are doing, saying, being that you transcend the mind’s belief systems and drop into the act of observation. Here, you can observe your thoughts and choose to let them go.

Having the choice to let thoughts go is a very powerful tool because you are no longer a victim of your mind’s every twist and turn. You don’t have to follow your thinking into that pile of old habitual thoughts that you keep recycling over and over again.

When you take the time to practice mindfulness, you can begin to hone your mind’s ability to observe until it becomes a tool or a skill that you can take into your life and use when you need it the most.

So, how do you practice mindfulness?

1. Meditation in the form that works best for you — seated, walking or other movements like yoga (my favorite way because I believe all forms of meditation begin and end with the body) or Tai Chi
   
2. Conscious little 5-minute or less mindfulness breaks you insert into your daily life where you become aware of only what you are doing in the moment, like washing the dishes. When washing each dish fully concentrate and focus on being present to washing each dish.
   
3. Merging meditation with other practices like singing, praying, intellectual study, creating art, dance or sports
   
4. Observing your judgments without judgment. There are so many opportunities to practice observing your judgments right now — just turn on the news and observe a story of someone doing some action and notice your judgment. Consider — Am I judging this person due to a past experience or because I have a preconceived notion? Could I be right or could I be wrong? Just open up to that question and let it be. Detach yourself from your judgments and give others the space to be for your own peace of mind.
   
5. Use the DUAL method. Don’t pass judgment, Understand, Accept and Love.
   

Do it for YOU!

Whatever forms of mindfulness you practice, do it for yourself. You will find yourself feeling tranquil and serene no matter what is swirling around you. 

Check out this week’s Ageless Open the Back of Your Body Movement Practice to mindfully move in your shadow. You will release the tension you hold in your back from your tail to the top of your head. Your whole back will begin to move freely and your whole body will feel fabulous.

What’s your favorite mindfulness practice? Please share in the comment section below.