As we are all experiences different realities within the current circumstances, judgment has come up. Let’s be real, judgment is around us all the time; yet with the pandemic fear it’s heightened.
When you meet a man, you judge, when you leave, you judge him by his heart, this Russian proverb is right on. It’s easy to look at someone and make judgments. Easy to see a human, dressed (hopefully), and walking the streets and question why are they out right now? Are they adhering to social distancing? Why are they not? Why are they risking themselves, others, and not taking this seriously? Why?
When you know their heart, this changes your perception. When you know the person at the grocery store is buying not only for themselves but for their neighbor or elderly parents, that softens your heart. When you know that person is suffering in their apartment alone with their inner demons, fighting their depression, you understand why they went for a walk in the park. Or went whatever store maybe open to be around other humans because the loneliness got to them.
I ask you to look past their clothing, look past the fears, and look to meet every person’s heart. That is where true connection will be found, that is where fear will soften to understanding, compassion, and acceptance. In the end, everyone is trying to survive and to make decisions that they feel helps them to do that. Judging them only separates and causes strain. Seeking to understanding them while maintaining your own healthy boundaries; that strengthens relationships, eases the stress, and has the potential for so much more connection.
When you are going about your day today, are you going to meet another’s heart, or will you stick to their outer layer?
