Why do we judge?

We all do it. I do it. It doesn’t make it right, but it does offer us an opportunity to really know ourselves.

I pre-judge, come to a quick summary based on an action, a look, an event, a sound and quickly come up with a label. I don’t do this as often as I did 25 years ago, but it still occurs, and when it does it is so disarming. Now, my strategy is to stop, acknowledge judgement and sit for a moment with the feeling I created. Where did this notion come from? Is there something going on right now with me? Am I resistent to the idea being proposed? Is this something I see in myself and am now rejecting? And most importantly: What am I missing out on by snapping to this conclusion? This is when I soften. I don’t berate myself for judging. I do not judge myself but rather acknowledge my action, locate its source and move on to the next moment. I let go with more awareness and am a better person for it. Although not perfect, I am better armed for the next time I draw a quick conclusion about someone or some thing.

I bring this up because I worked through this yesterday in my yoga practice of all places. I set the alarm for 5:45 am to attend a 6:15 am Hatha Blend class. When the alarm sounded I just wanted to turn it off, roll over and finish my eight hours. But I knew I would just lay there – mostly awake – until it was time to jump in the shower and go to work. Not to mention - I hate regrets. So, tired and cranky I arrived for class about five minutes early, set my self up in a supported Supta Badha Konasana coupled with ujiya pranayama. I thought it gave me the separation I needed between my alarm and the practice. The instructor started us in Tadasana, but as I folded into Uttanasana, I couldn’t stop thinking “This isn’t going to work; I don’t think I like her voice or direction. Can I leave? What time is it?” As I struggled to still my mind and move into the next pose, I decided to figure out why I was feeling this way. With a few breaths I found the source of my discomfort and basis of my judgment - I was tired and cranky and I really didn't want to be there. It had nothing to do with the instructor, her manner or her voice. I opened and sank into one of the best practices I have had in a long time. Completely aware and humbled.

I hate when I judge – it’s impulsive and unnecessary. But I love that I can acknowledge. And without beating myself up too much move on, have a great experience, meet a new and interesting person or have a memorable yoga practice.