No Judgement

Recently I was given a compliment. “You are not a judgmental person. You get to know a person a little bit before you make a judgment. “I thanked my mom for the compliment even though I know she is slightly biased. A few days later in Prospect Park walking the center drive loop, I found myself passing judgment.

“Wow, that’s some weird looking jogging.”

“That outfit is ugly.”

“Aren’t Orthodox women afraid their skirt will get caught in the bike wheels or chain?!”

Here I was being judgmental. Years ago, for something to do on the subway, I would scan the car and pick out a few passengers. I would make up stories about them. For instance, “She is dressed nice, but her clothes aren’t high quality. She works hard to put herself together to look her best for work. Work pays the rent and other Bills, so she wants to make a good impression every day.” Another for instance, “He wears his hoodie with the hood over his head, so maybe he hangs with the wrong crowd and cuts school much to his mother’s consternation.”

Then “the outfit is ugly” passed me again signifying participation in the triathlon happening in the park. This silenced my mind for the rest of my walk.