DeborahBurkeHenderson.com

AUGUST 2025 – JUDGING OR BUILDING UP ONE ANOTHER?

How often do you find yourself judging others?

Author, artist, and video producer Doe Zantamata has said, “Through judging, we separate. Through understanding, we grow. Compassion dissolves anger.”

Whether we realize it or not, without knowing the complexity of any given situation, we often put others into boxes of our own making, right or wrong. It is said this tendency to judge comes naturally, but doing so corners us into our own closed world view. It creates separation from others. When trying to understand, however, we are far more likely to find common ground, even when we disagree.

Learn how understanding connects us. Get curious. Ask questions. Listen with intent.

Try to understand the other person’s point of view. Understanding and respect starts with compassion. Understanding takes effort and a willingness to step outside of ourselves. We may still disagree, but hopefully we will be more capable of having an open dialogue, finding something about the person we didn’t know before, or perhaps simply walking away with a sense of peace, for at least having made a connection and listened.

What are your gifts? How are you using those gifts to contribute to the world and to those around you?

I believe in the power of encouragement, building up another when I can. Encouragement is nourishment for the soul and spirit. It is uplifting and so very needed in our world. I also strive to convey mindful messaging in my writing, especially in my children’s stories, something for readers, young and young-at-heart, to take away and ponder. What truths have you garnered along the way of your lived experience? How do you share those?

When you’re ready, move in the direction your heart tells you to go.

Wake up to who you are in the moment and let your light shine. Awareness is intrinsically both a refuge and a source of strength and sanity, of wisdom and compassion, including an honest compassion for ourselves as sometimes frail, vulnerable, and wounded creatures. If you can recognize this in yourself, you will more likely see it in others and have a more compassionate heart. Take note. May your heart grow more open, more compassionate, with every encounter.

Blessings to you and yours,

Deborah

     ________________________

“Today will never come again.

Be a blessing. Be a friend.

Encourage someone. Take time to care.

Let your words heal and not wound.”

–St. Francis of Assisi

My morning mantra:

"I arise this morning with a smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. 

I vow to live fully in each moment and to greet every being I meet with compassion."

        ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist 

                                                                                    [1926 - 2022]