“Don’t make fun of anyone. Curtail your criticism and judgement of others.”

Do you know people who consistently complain and rarely have anything good to say about anyone else? Do you act like that yourself sometimes? We all do. It is a pretty common way of viewing the world in our society. But, again, we can choose not to behave that way.

As we deepen our meditation practice, and begin to cultivate appreciation and acceptance of ourselves, we have a greater capacity to appreciate other for who they are. We may not like someone’s behavior, but we also may not have the right to judge it.

If you consider the idea that all “unskillful” behavior comes from unmet needs, before you choose to criticize someone else, take a moment to think of what really might be driving the behavior that you find challenging. Is that person lonely, bored, angry, hungry, scared? If you look at the humanity in the other person perhaps you’ll find that extending some warmth rather than criticism helps you be more at peace. It may not work in all circumstances. And if you still choose to judge and criticize, take a closer look at what unmet need is driving your choices.

Without a doubt some people take actions that may seem to be unforgivable, but in day-to-day circumstances see if you can take a moment to recognize that we’re all human and as such have similar basic needs. This may help you curtail your criticism and judgement of others, and as you do so see if you find a greater sense of peace within yourself.

Keep these ideas in mind as you move into meditation today and notice your behavior through out the day.  Spend a day being judgement free… for yourself and others, and see how it feels.

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