Mindful of Judgement

Mindfulness is simply being aware

A mindful judgement example: Have you noticed the cost of groceries these days? I was shocked recently with some of the prices on the shelves here in Holland, MI. And found myself worried about how young families and people on limited incomes are faring. I even started fretting about how we will make it in the future if prices keep soaring. I was predicting gloom and doom, felt anxious and unhappy.

My mind makes judgements all day long.

Many times, in my judgements I am in conflict with what actually is happening. And as a result, I have an emotional reaction to what is unfolding in front of me.

Lots of times I really don’t want what is to be the way it is. I want it, things, life to be my way. My fight with what is, just as it is, causes me distress and turmoil, leaving me feeling anxious and depressed.

Mindfulness is a tool we can use to be more at peace with ourselves and with life.

One practice of mindfulness is to simply pay attention to the content of our thoughts by intentionally noticing and labeling our thoughts for what they are.

When we recognize a mindful judgement thought for what it is, we can alter our emotional reactions.

When you recognize a judgement in your thinking process, gently observe in your mind that you are judging, say to yourself “judgement thought.” In doing this we actually get a little space between us and the actual thought itself. This space allows us to take a breath and decide what to do with it, even perhaps let it, the judgment go.

After all a thought is really just a thought!

Isn’t it just a thought, not a fact, not something real or tangible, it’s just a thought, and a judgment thought too!

If we don’t see our thoughts for being just thoughts, they can take on a life of their own and become real. And we react emotionally to a judgement perception of reality that we have determined to be a true fact.

We have zillions of thoughts every day. Our thoughts can have power over us if we are not mindful or aware of them, recognize how they impact our lives and affect our relationships too.

Mindful judgement awareness brings choices.

Once I’ve realized I’ve made a judgement in my thinking I then can decide what to do with that mindful judgement thought. I can hang on to the judgement and go with it further in my thinking and react with the judgement in my mind. Or I can be curious about that judgement itself, explore where it comes from and just how valid it is. And decide whether to keep it, change what needs changing so I can live with more peace inside.

So what about those grocery prices?

My grocery price example: I have a choice to make–accept that grocery prices go up and I really can’t change that and adjust my budget and menu to accommodate that fact. Or quit eating and starve. Or be frustrated and worried every time I go to the store predicting a future filled with doom and gloom.

The decision: Life it too short not to have peace in my mind as well as my favorite foods on the table to enjoy. I’ll adjust my menu a bit, set aside more food money in my budget and cut back on somethings I really can live without.

What judging thoughts do you notice occurring in your mind right now?

Do Contact Me if you notice that your judgement thoughts are creating too much distress and turmoil in your life! With anxiety therapy, depression therapy mindfulness tools can help make a difference.

JD’s Midlife Tools For Living Practices, Holland, MI Offering Heartfelt care, Compassion and Coping Tools!