How Do We Judge Ourselves?

As I gaze into the mirror, I exclaim, 'Oh, I am so young and beautiful, yet to grow and yet to see the world.' When the temptation to indulge in samosas or junk food arises, I remind myself, 'Shame on you! How can you think of junk food when you are only so young? Your skin is starting to look dull.' This reflection helps me avoid unhealthy habits. It's a humorous yet effective way to stay on track with my healthier lifestyle.

Why We Judge

Judging is always for a specific purpose. The primary question we must ask is, 'What are we judging for?' This is equally true whether we are judging ourselves, others, or any situation or thing.

Examples of Judging

A cricket team selector judges players based on their performance in every aspect of the game, selecting them for their skills rather than their knowledge in unrelated fields like accounting or history.

A teacher is judged based on their subject knowledge and teaching skills in accountancy, not their abilities in cricket.

Before you judge yourself or others, it's crucial to identify the specific area you're focusing on. For instance, is it about your skills and competencies, your belief and value systems, your behavior skills, or your capacity to manage stress, communicate, and build trust?

How to Judge Yourself

Once you've identified the area, you need to know what tools you'll use to evaluate yourself. If you can't measure, you can't manage. This includes knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and where you need improvement.

The Yardstick of Dharma

The ancient Indians called this 'the yardstick of Dharma.' Dharma consists of all thoughts and actions that make life and the universe possible. Before doing anything, ask yourself, 'Is my action going to injure someone, destroy someone's peace, or take away someone's rightful place?

"Is my action going to destroy my relationship with my wife, husband, son, daughter, colleague, society, or the world?"

These questions are part of what Dharma—actions that make life and the universe possible. If your actions are positive and contribute to growth, they are Dharma. If they harm or negate life, they are Adharma (negative actions).

For instance, the concept of climate change and the impact of human activities on nature fall under Adharma. On the other hand, actions that protect and sustain the environment are Dharma.

"Before you attempt to do anything, ask if your action will destroy nature in any manner."

This concept is a beautiful path to self-reflection and positive growth, guiding us to make actions that propel us and others towards a better future.

Stay Calm and Reflect!

Thank you for reading. Stay calm, and take the time to reflect on your actions and their impact on the world around you.

Anshu