“Let yourself become that space that welcomes any experience without judgment.”
-Tsoknyi Rinpoche
Are we always correct in our thinking? Are we perfect? Are we always right? The answers to these questions are no and we won’t ever be. So in knowing this my next question to you is: Who are we to judge others or judge certain experiences that we have yet to actually experience? And the answer to this is we shouldn’t be judging at all. In today’s quote Teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche reminds us to allow ourselves to be the space that is welcoming to any experience without judgment. Easier said than done I know. So how can we become better in this area of our lives?
In 2016 Alyssa Ross wrote a blog on how we can best reserve our judgement that I think will help us become more socially aware and avoid unnecessary social pitfalls:
Actions speak louder than words: Sometimes you may not get much out of a person by having a short conversation with them. But, if you pay close attention to their character, you may notice how they tend to react in situations for the better or worse based on attitude and behavior.
Bite your tongue: If there is someone in your life you can’t always avoid, such as family, then it might be hard to hold your tongue. To prevent creating other issues with this person, refrain from saying rude comments out loud. Rather than focusing on the negatives, you could give them a compliment or focus on their good deeds.
Be Understanding: Instead of judging someone for what they did or how they look, try and understand the person. One way to do so is by getting to know them; perhaps they are a genuine person you never knew about. Spend more time and talk with them to get a better idea of their personality. You might learn interesting facts you never would have guessed about them. Once you begin to understand, or at least think you do, try accepting them for who they are.
Mind Your Business: If you focus on yourself, then you may not have so much time on your hands to judge others. Self acceptance and respect is a part of this as well. When you focus on accepting and being yourself, you will be able to understand that people have the right to be their own person.
Please remember that we are no better than anyone else. We all make mistakes and all have different viewpoints. When we reserve judgment we embrace everything we encounter with arms wide open with the grace, compassion and willingness to accept others and the new experiences that go along with it.
What does this quote mean to you and how can you apply today’s message towards becoming more socially aware?
Becoming The Change 