In a spiritual sense, being opinionated and being judgmental reflect two distinct approaches to engaging with the world and others, each carrying different energies and outcomes. While both can lead to self-awareness and freedom if observed mindfully, their underlying motives and manifestations differ.
Being Opinionated
- Definition: Holding a strong belief or perspective based on personal values, experiences, or understanding.
- Energy: Rooted in self-expression, it can be neutral or positive if shared without attachment.
- Pathway to Freedom: It allows you to know your authentic self, your values, and your boundaries. Observing your opinions helps you recognize what resonates with your truth and what doesn’t.
- Potential Trap: When overly attached to opinions, it can lead to rigidity and resistance to others’ truths.
How to Observe Being Opinionated:
- Notice the Energy: Is your opinion shared to express truth or to prove a point? Truth flows; proving a point constrains.
- Check for Resistance: Do you feel tension when others disagree, or are you open to other perspectives?
- Question the Origin: Ask, “Why do I hold this opinion? Is it serving growth or ego?”
- Practice Non-Attachment: Express your view but remain open to change if deeper truths emerge.
Being Judgmental
- Definition: Forming a conclusion about someone or something, often with a sense of superiority or moral positioning.
- Energy: Rooted in separation; it often arises from fear, insecurity, or unhealed wounds.
- Pathway to Freedom: Judgments reflect what remains unhealed or unintegrated within us. Observing judgments helps us recognize and dissolve inner blocks to compassion.
- Potential Trap: Judging reinforces duality and distances us from oneness.
How to Observe Being Judgmental:
- Recognize the Feeling: Judgments are often accompanied by irritation, frustration, or a sense of self-righteousness.
- Identify the Mirror: Ask, “What does this judgment say about me? What in me feels threatened or incomplete?”
- Shift to Compassion: Replace judgment with curiosity. For example, instead of “Why are they like this?” ask, “What might they be experiencing?”
- Embrace Unity: Practice seeing others as reflections of yourself, recognizing shared humanity and divine essence.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Being Opinionated | Being Judgmental |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Expression of personal truth | Evaluation of others or situations |
| Energy | Can be constructive or neutral | Often divisive and negative |
| Spiritual Lesson | Knowing your authentic self | Healing inner wounds and seeing oneness |
| Growth Opportunity | Practice humility and openness | Cultivate compassion and acceptance |
Practical Observations for Both:
- Pause and Reflect: When reacting strongly, pause and ask yourself, “Is this an opinion or a judgment? Where is it coming from?”
- Journal Daily: Write down moments you felt opinionated or judgmental. Reflect on their impact on your peace.
- Meditate on Awareness: Use mindfulness to observe the space between stimulus and reaction. This gap reveals the origin of your response.
- Seek Higher Perspectives: Whenever possible, ask, “What would love, unity, or higher wisdom see in this situation?”
Both pathways invite us to transcend ego-based reactions and align with higher states of awareness. Observing these reactions without judgment creates space for profound spiritual growth.