Judgment

If you compare yourself with others you may become vain or bitter, for always there will greater and lesser persons than yourself. – Max Ehrmann

We are all quick to pass judgment on the world, on others, and on ourselves. Some times it seems the world is so critical, cold, and cruel. Some times we are especially critical of ourselves. Some times in yoga class I find individuals struggle with the ability to simply release themselves from their self conscious ways and be present and aware.

I teach my students to observe rather than judge. If they can not find balance in a particular pose, I ask them to step back and observe the nature of their being before, during, and after the pose. Were they fearful or thinking too much before they did the pose and then unable to let go and become the pose? Often I see people become exasperated with them selves as they try to maintain the balance of a tree pose. I remind them that it is ok to lean against the wall for support. Some times we all need support in order to find balance.

The best way to learn to observe rather than judge is to become centered. This means that we learn to remove outside forces and tap into our inner strength, knowledge, and peace. We see ourselves as no greater and no lesser than any one or any thing. We are present as an intricate part of the whole.

Being centered overflows into all areas of your existence: consciously, subconsciously, and superconsciously. Being detached judgment is removed and observation of life takes place. This observation without judgment is what brings about wisdom and ultimately illumination.

The main reason we fall into judgment over observation is that we are constantly trying to obtain some thing. We want to own and possess. Detaching and letting go of the outcomes frees us and gives us the ability to objectively observe life. This objective approach creates a freedom, a flow, and a state of peacefulness. Therefore what ever actions you perform should be for the sheer pleasure of performing the acts rather than to obtain some thing.

Without this ability to quietly observe, the mind and its senses, with its cravings, expectations, and apprehensions scatter our life force so that balance, flexibility, and strength are impossible to find.

There will always be those who can do a tree or a downward dog deeper and with more finesse than you and there will always be those who can not find the eagles strength and focus as well as you. However to compare yourself to others will only create vanity or bitterness. So the next time you experience judgment, simply release it and observe the sense of balance, peace, and serenity that becomes your body, mind, and soul.

Doctor Lynn
www.doctorlynn.com