Non-judging our efforts and practice (in mindfulness and beyond) does not mean not judging at all or not caring about what you and others do or say. It is, in fact, a way of developing a clear sense of what and when to judge and when not. It is not even related to the intensity or passivity of the efforts. In some way, the attitude of non-judging reminds us of the power and need of attending and acknowledging what it is in front of our eyes. It is like stepping up to hold the reality of your life in clear vision without any hint of wishing it some other way.
Non-judgment, in this way, then becomes a fruitful container to hold our practice and efforts ( in mindfulness and beyond) where we gradually learn to move away from reactionary conclusions in terms of good or bad, liking or disliking, even to the point where we are able to faithfully hold our judgments about the process of judging in gentle kindness. Just as following words beckon us to do:
Show up
Pay attention
Tell the truth, without judgment or blame
Don’t be attached to outcome.
—Angeles Arrien.
In that spirit, see if you can hold your efforts and practice (of mindfulness or other worldly pursuit) in non-judgmental attitude with the intention of opening to the reality of your experience, even if for a moment, with firm gentleness and then using that wisdom to develop a clear direction whether some adjustments in efforts and intensity are necessary or not. Non-judgment allows us to suspend labelling and criticism immediately. It creates a space and a breather before a final decision is made, giving us tools to avoid making expensive mistakes.
