The Power of Observation Over Judgment: A Path to Self-Discovery

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to judge? We hear a story, see an action, or experience a situation and instantly assign meaning to it—often based on our own past experiences, fears, or insecurities. But what if, instead of judging, we simply observed? What if we stepped back and looked at the energy behind the stories people tell and the actions they take?

When we observe rather than judge, we create space for understanding and compassion. We begin to see that everyone—ourselves included—sometimes gets caught up in narratives that aren’t entirely true. The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, and the energy we put into them only attracts more of the same. If we believe the world is unfair, we will find endless proof of injustice. If we believe people are untrustworthy, we will see betrayal everywhere.

The Cycle of Projection

Almost nothing that others do is about us. That’s a hard truth to accept, especially when we take things personally. But the reality is, most people are thinking far less about us and far more about themselves. We just make it about us.

And then we gossip.

Gossip says far more about what’s inside us than it does about the person we’re talking about. It reveals our own insecurities, fears, and judgments. If we fully embraced self-love and compassion, we wouldn’t feel the need to project a lack of those things onto others. When we feel threatened, we deflect—and often, that deflection manifests as gossip, blame, or judgment.

Over time, if we continue carrying this energy, we begin treating people who have done nothing to deserve our distrust as if they are unworthy of it. We act as if the world is out to get us, when in reality, we are simply filtering life through our own wounds.

The Power of Choosing Our Environment

One of the most profound shifts we can make is choosing to spend time with people who embody the qualities we want to cultivate in ourselves. Energy is contagious. When we surround ourselves with love, wisdom, and authenticity, we naturally align with those qualities. These relationships help us clarify the path we want to take, the life we want to live, and the experiences we want to create.

Life offers endless opportunities to learn about ourselves through the people and situations we encounter. But the key to growth isn’t in judging or blaming—it’s in looking inward. It’s in being open to new ways of understanding ourselves and our lives.

So, the next time you feel triggered by someone’s actions, pause. Observe the energy behind it. Ask yourself, what is this showing me? What can I learn about myself? Using this practice has changed my life.

Because the truth is, the more love and compassion we cultivate within, the less we feel the need to judge, blame, or gossip. And that’s where true freedom begins.

Be the compassion you wish to see in the world.

When we change the world changes.