Since coming home from a big city to a small town the adjustment has been interesting. It brings up an interesting topic that has been on my mind. A topic I feel close to and one that I have given much thought to. It's called judgement. I think we get better at judging the older we become or at least we think we do. We are critical thinkers latching on to things that we can relate to and not so much to things that we can't relate to.
Needless to say my personal journey has been anything but normal and a good test for a small town. A town that most people never leave, which is to say is they're journey. All can be judged because as we age we think we know what's best. The real understanding is knowing that we all are on our own path. That it's no better or worst, it's just different. It's easy in the community that I live in now to all be doing the same things and for me I feel different. I am looked at differently or simply ignored for lack of understanding. It's important to note that I'm not complaining but rather observing That's the thing about individual consciousness, it can be short-sided and is based on experiences. It's finding the group that feeds you and understanding that no one truly has this figured out. It's also letting go of people that no longer share in your thought. This is a truly difficult lesson. It might mean your sister or your best friend. Once the mind expands it can no longer go back. Some people want to stay in their consciousness which is to say they will not relate to your new way of thinking. This is noones fault. Your way isn't everyone's way. Your way might not be best for me and my way might not be the best for you. I think that is the exciting part about life, that either way is a choice. Instead of thinking it's predetermined it bestows choices upon yourself. For the randomness of life this choosing is wonderfully powerful. It's a celebration of the human spirit and the power of choice.
When I feel judged I take a deep breathe and say to myself " I don't judge you and I would like you to not judge me." Im not saying this always works but it reminds me to be kinder to my fellow passenger. We don't always know of a persons individual journey and I would challenge others to exercise a more loving approach to this experience. Our brains are wired to evaluate and judge and this is to say it's not always right. It's keeping love in your heart and an openness that comes from understanding your journey and the journey of others. Be thankful for the expansiveness of just being alive. All the other details matter today and maybe not so much tomorrow. The true test is in the support. An unwavering support to not judge but expand our minds to a deeper understanding. To not shy away from not relating but to center ourselves with those that might be different and learn something new.
As you are.
