Judgment Versus Opinion | by Madisyn Taylor Most of us understand that when we judge someone, or someone judges us, it is a negative emotional experience. As a result, we naturally want to avoid being judgmental, but this gets confusing when we feel we have to suppress thoughts that could actually be offering us guidance. For example, we may meet someone new and suppress a negative feeling about them, thinking that we don't want to fall into the trap of being judgmental. Later, though, it may turn out that paying attention to that thought could have helped us take care of ourselves or someone else. It is important to learn to distinguish inner guidance, and having an opinion, from judgment, otherwise we run the risk of not listening to our intuition and not allowing ourselves to form opinions. Inner guidance and opinions both help us to interact more intelligently in the world, so we don't want to throw them out in an effort to avoid being judgmental. Our intuition usually makes itself known to us in a flash, and often has a physical component--a flutter in our stomachs, sweaty palms, or a chill. When we use this information to help us navigate a situation, we always benefit. Similarly, having an opinion about a person or an idea allows us to converse about it in a focused way with intention. Listening to our intuition and forming opinions are both positive outcomes of our ability to interpret the information that comes our way. When we make a judgment, on the other hand, we attempt to have a final say on whether someone or something is inherently good or bad. Judgments close us down instead of opening us up; opinions have a lighter quality and are amenable to change. Once a judgment has been made, there is no more conversation or consideration, whereas opinions invite further debate. Intuition guides us from moment to moment, but, unlike judgment, never makes a final decree. In other words, it is only healthy to be open to the information we receive and to allow ourselves to process that information. As long as we stay open and fluid, we can trust that we have not fallen prey to the trap of judgment. | DailyOM Course Spotlight by Kim Schneiderman, LCSW Have you ever noticed that the same type of person keeps showing up in your life and pushing all of your buttons? Why do these individuals and situations keep appearing in the storyline of your life? Is it just to senselessly aggravate you? If you answered "yes," you may feel like a victim, and that probably doesn't feel very good. When we feel like a victim, we feel a heavy sense of powerless that, if gone unchecked, can lead to depression, health issues, and low self-esteem. But what if there was another way to look at challenging people and situations that left you feeling empowered, and perhaps even a little inspired? The good news is that you can reframe such tensions as opportunities to open your heart, expand your awareness, strengthen your emotional muscles, take constructive action, and deepen your appreciation for the mystery of life. In this 10-week course, Kim Schneiderman, LCSW, author of "Step Out of Your Story: Writing Exercises to Reframe and Transform Your Life," presents a series of research-based writing exercises that can help you reframe adversity as a "character development workout," a custom-made, emotional journey designed to help you build strengths while further honing areas within yourself that haven't been fully developed. Using perspective-bending writing exercises, you will tap into the voice of your omniscient narrator to find an elevated, compassionate perspective on your emotionally-charged storyline. This and other writing techniques, some cued with guided meditation, will help you transform self-defeating stories into soul narratives, leaving you feeling inspired and empowered regardless of circumstances. Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. 21 Day Plant-Based Plan for a Lighter, Happier YOU! 2. Know When to Stay, Learn How to Leave 3. Hypnosis Happy Hour 4. Chair Yoga for Healing, Strength and Mobility 5. Fit and Fierce Over 40 6. Overcoming Body Stiffness 7. 21 Day Tabata Yoga Body Challenge 8. 8 Week Whole Body Makeover! 9. Be Free from Unhealthy Relationships 10. From Codependent to Independent
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