A HEART OPEN TO ALL
SEEING BEYOND THE SURFACE
Judgment is a natural human instinct. Although we live in the current day, the survival mechanism from our ancient past still exists in the brain, still trying to predict circumstances in order to stay safe and thrive. As a result, we often find ourselves living in a constant state of judgment—judging cultures, judging beliefs, judging appearances, judging ourselves. When a judgmental feeling arises, we are viewing ourselves and others through the lens of assumptions, expectations, and limited understanding. We don’t realize that judgment can create barriers between people, can reinforce feelings of separation, and can prevent us from recognizing the shared humanity that connects us all. Through non-judgment, we develop the ability to see beyond the cover, embrace diverse perspectives, and respond to life with awareness and wisdom.
Opening the soul to non-judgment means moving beyond our own perceived limitations in order to build more compassion and unity in the world. It is meeting life with curiosity rather than criticism. Instead of condemning what is unfamiliar, a non-judgment mindset asks us to learn, understand, and expand our conscious awareness. As we learn to release judgment, we begin to discover a greater sense of peace within ourselves and more meaningful connections with others. We start to understand that each person carries a lifetime of experiences, challenges, and lessons that may be invisible to the rest of us. An open soul understands compassion is not reserved for those we agree with. In fact, it is a way of honoring the sacred worth and dignity that innately exists within every being.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.”
~ Rumi
PRACTICING GRACE
The wisdom of acceptance…
Spiritual leaders throughout time taught us that peace is found not through resistance, but through allowing. It is acceptance of what is without judgment, and the willingness to meet each moment as it arrives. Just as a river flows around any stones or sticks in its way, acceptance teaches to go with the flow of life, instead of struggling against it. And in embracing acceptance as a practice, and opening the soul to non-judgment, we create space for deeper understanding, compassion, and grace to emerge.
Acceptance is a gentle art. Instead of clenching our fists against what is different, acceptance and non-judgment help us open our hands and our hearts to understanding. At the core of non-judgment is love, which does not require uniformity, perfection, or achievement. It does not ask others to prove they are worthy or meet a list of requirements in order to deserve compassion. While it still very important to hold healthy boundaries and use discernment, acceptance prevents us from unnecessarily blocking the flow of love into the world. By practicing acceptance and allowing compassion to exist, we align more closely with the expansive nature of the heart. In doing so, we discover that love is not a reward to be earned but a gift to be shared.
As we become open to non-judgment, and shift our intentions to acceptance, we realize that every experience carries lessons and gifts. In practicing non-judgment, every joyful or difficult moment holds meaning, and every interactions invaluable. Non-judgment invites us to trust the wisdom of the present moment, seeing the unfolding of life as an opportunity to grow beyond our limitations. As we release judgment and attachment to outcomes, we discover a quiet strength within ourselves. A strength to stand up for what’s right, to defend those without a voice, and to act with love in all circumstances.
The practice of non-judgment allows us to walk through the world with softer eyes and openness as we look for ways we are alike, instead of what divines us. We discover that the less we judge, the more clearly we see, and the more clearly we see, the more deeply we love. By accepting others, an open soul does not measure the worth of others against a perceived expectation. Instead, it seeks only to honor the unique light within each person. From this place of awareness, we are able to see the divine woven through every life, every story, and every moment.
OPEN THE SOUL TO NON-JUDGMENT
Expand awareness by embracing acceptance and understanding…
OPEN SOUL MANTRAS
RESONATE NON-JUDGMENT
I choose to love and accept everyone.
I will bring light to all I encounter and choose to see with the eyes of compassion.
My heart helps me make loving choices.
I listen to the wisdom of my heart and allow understanding to replace judgment. I hold space for differences with love and respect.
I forgive others and myself.
I release the shadows and pain of the past and welcome the light, hope, and possibilities of the future.
I am open to expanding my awareness.
When encountering the unknown, I let my senses, my intuition, and my heart lead the way.
