Judgmental Programming

As an infant we start recognizing what is good and what is bad.

What brings a smile and warm, loving energy from our caretaker and what causes reactions that do not feel as kind.

As we grow we continue to observe. We soon add that which feels nice to us, to our good list, and that which does not feel so wonderful, to our bad list. So the separation grows.

Add emotions to the mix and now we have a whole new dimension of what is good and what is bad. Good brings happiness. Bad breeds anger, sadness, unhappiness.

It was inevitable for me to start categorizing people into my imaginary hierarchy of goodness. I have named some very good, some very bad, and most in-between based on my interaction with them and what my own programming has taught me about the characteristics they exhibit.

Peace is always a feeling of inclusiveness. Judgment is one of separation. Inclusiveness and separation are polar opposites.

To choose peace, we must decide to stop the judgmental programming, which we have allowed to dominate our thinking since before we were aware of our ability to think.

Even if I judge you as good, I am choosing separation.

To experience true peace, I must drop my judgment. Peace insists that everything simply “is”. Any other experience is temporary. Lasting peace may not be built on conditional criteria.

Peace is only available at a core level. At the core, all veils of illusion are lifted. It is the illusion that judges. The truth knows that everything simply “is”. Nothing is intrinsically bad or good.

Judgment separates me from truth. Only in truth will I find the peace my soul hopes I remember.

Today I will be aware of that which I judge. I will notice, in my body, what I feel when I see people or things that appear to make me feel joyous or uncomfortable. All are my teachers.