Non-judgmental Acceptance

I have to confess…. These two words (non-judgmental acceptance) are now my favorite words… they give me strength… they calm me… they brighten my mood… and they inspire me.

Haven’t we all heard that “we” are our own worst critic? Haven’t we all learned to judge ourselves and others? Well I did (and sometimes still do). But I’ve found that reminding myself of these powerful words disarms me of all the harsh criticism and negativity.

Before, when someone did me wrong (something as simple as someone not calling me back) or something that I had not “planned” happened, I would build a “story” around that in my head and get upset. Now, more and more, I remember “non-judgmental acceptance” and suddenly the weight gets lifted off.

Before, when I wrote songs or practiced guitar, keyboard or vocals, I would compare myself to others and the non-acceptance of what I am “now” would sap my  creative energy. The non-judgmental acceptance takes all the noise and drama out of it and allows me to “be” the naked and imperfect person I am.

Judging and worrying about the past and/or future takes me, a powerful creative human being, away from being my true self. When I let go of that extra luggage, I can fly faster and higher.  In my relationship with myself and loved ones, in my work environment and in my creative endeavors, as I take off the smudgy and worn-out glasses I’ve worn unknowingly for years and see people and events and things without judgement as they truly are, I get strength, become calm and happier and glow with creativity and inspiration.

So if you see me next time and notice the smile on my face, there’s a good chance I’m dancing with those two words.

Shawn