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Archive Number 2487

Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 08:14:37 EST
From: "Mary K. Clark"
Subject: Re: Andre's poem






In a message dated 1/16/03 3:14:16 PM, andreh@USFAMILY.NET writes:

<< As I taught a class the other day a lesbian woman who often is judged said,

"The reason someone says we shouldn't be judgmental is because they don't

really want someone to disagree with them and bring up the possibility that

they are wrong." >>

I've struggled with the idea of judgment. I do try to put it into practice,
actually trying not to judge myself or others in a situation or for a moment
or for a day. I find when I actually just suspend judging - it gives me more
space to breath, to listen and to understand. The whole idea of not sitting
in judgment is a relief.

I understand the quote above and I think she has a point, however I feel
there is more to the practice of nonjudgment than that. What if there is no
right and wrong?

Yet, I must make decisions and my decisions are based on something aren't
they. I try not to sit in judgment even of "not sitting in judgment" - the
practice has helped me to understand more about others - but also to
understand (while suspending judgment) more about myself especially
understanding the complexity of what I have come to understand the Self
encompasses, the contradictions and truth.

- Mary

****
Mary K. Clark
Exploring Stories ~ Weaving Tales
Storyteller, Writer, Coach and Collage Artist

"We have to meet the self at some point
and that is where the beauty is."
Juliana Coles