Being the Observer
As I went about my day this morning, thoughts began to come to me – as they always do. What I noticed was that behind most every thought came an opinion. Don’t we all have those – opinions. It seems to be the way the human mind works. Not just – “Oh, yes, I heard what she is doing . . .” but right behind that comes an opinion. What I am realizing is that “opinion” is a nice word for “judgement.” That is even in the definition of opinion: “a belief, or a judgement.”
One of my goals in life is to have inner peace, and if I am continually judging – (even the weather!) I am not at peace. So a practice that allows me to release judgment thoughts is Being the Observer. I noticed that the first time I tried it, it was difficult (yes, this is going to take practice!) But I noticed – observed that an acquaintance of mine is in a new profession. OK, simple enough. Then I practiced just being with that thought. Yes, this person is that. And now, no further thoughts. Simply observe. And so it goes, with every thought.
Now sometimes there may be an action required. An action is very different from a judgement. I may observe that there is a need for better school lunches. In that case, rather than complaining and justifying, I can ask myself: “What action can you take?” Then an observed lack becomes an action.
Some of the most hurtful judgements we make are against ourselves. And often you may find that the situation or person you are judging has a familiar ring. In other words, it touches a chord with you and your experience. Say that I am observing that someone I know is not spending much time with her children. Firstly, that is an opinion. Secondly, - guess what? I have often judged myself for not spending more time with my son when he was growing up. See the correlation?
So where is inner peace? “Judge not.” Simple, but not easy. So for today, practice being the observer. When you find yourself noticing something that you judge as wrong, step back for a moment. Breathe. Then ask, is there an action to be taken? Am I willing to take an action? Then, go deeper. How is this situation similar to experiences I have had? Is there something here for me to heal within myself. Breathe again, and let it go.
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