1. We judge too quickly. As humans, we've learned to assess things immediately as "good" or "bad." You've probably heard the old story about the farmer who greeted every seemingly "bad" (and "good") piece of news with the same response: "We'll see." Unwilling to judge anything as "bad," he stayed open to the flow of life. Reserving judgment gives space for us to observe and participate in the unfolding story. (And if you haven't heard that story, click here.)

2. Life is benevolent in spite of our judgments. Aren't we fortunate that the Universe is intent on helping us see that "bad" things can turn out to be blessings? Because if It behaved more like we tend to behave toward ourselves, the response could be, "Well, if that's the way you're going to react!" Instead, there seems to be an inherent patience on the part of the Universe--so much so that even when we've learned and forgotten this lesson dozens of times, It just keeps serving up the opportunities.

 

3. Our part is to be increasingly open. Obviously we are completely welcome to continue making snap judgments about the things we wanted to go differently --labeling them as "wrong, bad, awful" to our heart's discontent. But whose life is more likely to unfold in a way that transforms "bad" into  blessing, insight or soul shift? The one who is open to that possibility or the one who isn't? After awhile, it gets harder and harder for the Universe to make its way through a well-fortified wall.

4. Feelings aren't judgments. Can you feel the difference between "wrong, bad and awful" and "disappointed, sad, angry"? Allowing ourselves to have feelings about the situations of our lives is important because it's emotionally honest. Yes, those feelings may reflect initial resistance to what's happening, but expressing them is part of a greater process. Feelings can be moved through, releasing energy, which in turn creates a state of greater openness. By contrast, judgment tends to be a closed system.

5. Be your own evidence. Take a moment to recall an experience that looked and felt negative, but ultimately proved to be a catalyst for your benefit. Futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard says about going to the moon, "We only had to go once to prove it could be done." If you can identify (and I know you can) one such transformation, you've gone to the moon--which means you can do it again!

Til we cross paths again,