Often I find myself on the brink of judgment…judgment of others. Yes, I am aware that this is not exactly a desirable quality for a yoga instructor, but I am human. Keeping your cool in this hot, hot world is a challenge for everyone, but where do you draw the line between judgment and compassion? Let’s say a co-worker who comes across as lazy and professionally inept confides (or complains…depending on how you wish to interpret it) in you about a myriad of personal problems including his financial losses and inability to pay child support to two different ex-wives. Is he reaching out for help by phishing for advice, friendship, or maybe even a compliment? Another co-worker who rendered herself as completely useless and incompetent by asking questions like “will the internet being down affect the fax machine?” irks you to your very core. However, you learn that this poor woman’s son is extremely ill and despite the bleak circumstances of her personal life she shows up to work with a smile on her face every day. Does your perspective change? How can you go from “what an absolute idiot!” to “Oh, that poor woman?”

To what extent do we create more problems for ourselves by honing in on the negative aspects of our lives and to what extent are our friends, family, and co-workers responsible for commiserating? Doesn’t everyone have problems? When, if ever, is it appropriate to judge the actions and behaviors of others? Without looking like a sappy pushover, when is it appropriate to express compassion? The judgment/compassion dichotomy creates a personal struggle for me because let’s be honest, we live in a world full of incompetent people making idiotic decisions; but upon truly assessing the situation I realize that this world needs less assholes. Therefore, I act accordingly. Namaste bitches!