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Archive Number 2488

Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 09:05:20 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 nonjudgment. I try to put it into practice -
whether it is just for a moment or for a particular situation. Sometimes I
try the practice for an entire day. I find when I actually just suspend
judgment - it gives me more space to breath, to listen and to understand.
The whole idea of not sitting in judgment is a relief at times (especially
when it comes to self-judgment).

There is a lot to the practice of nonjudgment. Just pondering the following
question, has led me to some startling insights:

"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 more about myself especially the complexity and contradicitons of
the Self.

- 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