Our minds love to judge–assess, evaluate, and decide. Give events a label, put people in categories–that’s what minds do. Many times we use our minds when using our hearts would serve us better. Use your mind to solve a problem–such as what to wear to a party, how to invest the raise you just received, what to do about the funny noise in your car, or how to prepare for a forthcoming job interview. But don’t use your mind to assess, evaluate, and decide that events and other people are good or bad. This is an improper use of the mind–a use which robs you of the natural joy of life.

If you want an easy life, a life without struggle, then judge nothing–no event, no circumstance of life, and no other person–

regardless of how foreign the observation may be to you. Observe the facts of a situation, but refrain from drawing conclusions that label the situation as right,
wrong, good, or bad. Deciding that something is right or wrong for you–given who you choose to be–is one thing, deciding what’s right for another is something to avoid. 

An example may help. Let’s say you see an older man with long hair–hair down to his shoulders. The factual observation you can make is, “that man has hair down to his shoulders.” Taking it one step further, such as, “what’s he trying to prove?” or “there goes another 60’s hippie”, or “he must be gay,” is a step that contributes to the difficulty of your life–not his life, but your life.

Why? Well, as soon as you make that judgment, your mind will start a process of justifying, rationalizing, and confirming. This process will consume surprising amounts of emotion and creative energy, and will extend well beyond the initial observation and judgment. You’ll point out the long-haired offender to others, explaining the offense committed, and seeking approval and confirmation. You’ll be on the lookout for other behaviors from the offender that further reinforce your judgment.

Catch yourself going through this process some time, and then do the following: observe how you feel and notice the tension in your muscles–especially your facial muscles. You may find you feel slightly superior, but I doubt you’ll feel
anything close to joy or love. Notice that your face is tense, your mouth is grim and determined, and your teeth may even be clenched. See the problem now?

If you want an easy life, accept what is and trust that it’s simply perfect. Know that every person is being who they must be at this time–and doing their very best at it. Just as you are

doing your very best at all times–even when it’s not the best you can do–so is everyone else. Use your
mind’s natural problem-solving skills to solve problems. For everything else in your life, use your heart–simply accept and love–unconditionally. 

I promise you that you’ll feel lighter–judging others is a burden.

Related Article:

Ten Steps to an Easy Life