The Power of Compassion in a Judgmental World

Psychology 7.0   
 
We may often be shocked when watching the news, wondering why some people do what they do. The statistics of suicide are not going down, despite modern medicine, modern technologies, and all the online help, books, and other tools available today. In the past, certain things, like a person drinking alcohol for example, became the gossip in the village. Now that gossip has simply moved online and spread across the world. Judgments and criticisms are everywhere, fast, quick, and often filled with pain and misunderstanding.
 
What if, instead of judgments, we looked behind the masks and asked the question “why” with a little more compassion? For example, instead of judging the way the neighbors are raising their children, we could ask, how would compassion, from a higher perspective, see this same situation? We might then see that these parents are simply overwhelmed and dealing with many more issues that nobody knows about. Because nobody asked, nobody cared, and nobody is helping them. Instead, too many in the village are gossiping and judging them for the way they live.
 
What would happen if someone offered them help with their children instead? And if someone sat down and listened to them, maybe then they would learn that the father is going through an extremely difficult situation at work, because the employer is struggling with the economy. If we took the time to listen and get to know their situation first, we would learn how much the mother of that family is in grief, because her own parents are dealing with health issues and having difficulties paying for all the medical costs. Sometimes, kindness begins simply with listening.
 
The same happens in many workplaces. The toxic gossip in some companies is truly terrible. Once, I had a co-worker who often had to leave early because her son was dealing with very serious and difficult health issues for many years, a life-threatening disease. Of course, I helped her and took over some of her tasks. Instead of first asking her why she left early every second day, or why she was often on her phone, the other co-workers went directly into gossiping about her and judging her. It was heartbreaking to see how easily judgment replaced understanding.
 
People do what they do because they are dealing with very difficult and severe issues we often know nothing about. Too often we judge from that wrong first impression instead of taking the time to really get to know a person and their life situation. Many people are dealing with health issues that are invisible from the outside. Many are carrying grief and heavy burdens in their families, caring for parents, siblings, or children. On top of that, there is the constant pressure to perform at work. Many people are halfway into burnout simply because they never get one free moment in their week to breathe, to rest, and to process all the things they are going through.

Sometimes, just a little understanding can make someone’s heavy day a bit lighter. Gossip, judgment, and criticism only make everything worse. Often, they come from people who are hurting deeply inside, but are not yet ready to face their own pain.
 
That saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” comes from a very superficial view of life. It is one of the biggest mistakes people make every single day. If we meet someone a few days after a funeral, after a difficult medical diagnosis, or after other painful news, of course none of us will make a good first impression. Judging a person by that first impression is simply superficial and not realistic.
 
First, talk with a person, have a cup of coffee, and listen to their story. Learn what is going on in their heart and in their life situation. Listen with a compassionate heart. Nobody needs our judgments, but so many need our support and our compassion. And so many people need someone who listens without judgments. They need someone who offers a helping hand, speaks faith into them, and gives uplifting and motivating words.
 
If you need someone to talk to and some uplifting words, visit my website, which is filled with positive and inspiring messages, quotes, videos, and articles. You are also welcome to reach out if you would like to meet for a video call.

With a compassionate heart, I send you a warm and loving hug.
You are not alone.
💗 Love, Jeanne



If these words resonated with you and you’d like a quiet space to reflect together, you’re warmly welcome to reach out.
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