About "JUDGEMENT" & "NON-JUDGEMENT"

The truth is that we all make judgements, as it seems to be in the human nature to do so, because one of the purposes of the mind /brain is to judge, and we do it instinctively, subconsciously, without realising at times; it’s a primal thing designed to “keep us safe”.
The way we look at things, our actions, responses, opinions, behaviours, communication, they are all showing signs of our journey in some way.
Judgements are based on our own experiences and the lenses we view the world through, being based on our own moral compass, values, beliefs, stories and understanding, all of which are formed through our own life experiences – our work experiences, relationships, teachings and interactions, things we’re exposed to first, second and third hand, including media and social media.
Consequently, we have thoughts and feelings around situations, circumstances, events, practices, behaviours, beliefs, attitudes, ideas, values, people and ourselves that will have an automatic internal response for us. Based on what you see, hear or experience, a series of responses in your brain will be triggered.
Judgements can also be influenced by how we’re feeling at any given moment, with things like tolerance, acceptance & patience being the first to go when we’re low.

On the other hand, theoretically, being non-judgemental refers to "having a sense of balance, a sound way of understanding misunderstandings and a civilized manner of accepting those with whom we may disagree. This behaviour is reflected in one's words, choices, actions and reactions."
Being non-judgemental is how you acknowledge, deal with & manage those judgments, the influence & impact they have – from both sides of the coin; it is about being open minded, being in the moment, actively listening, while allowing that judgement to pass & not interfere with being fully present for that person or case. 

To be non-judgmental, a great deal of personal awareness and understanding is required.
In essence, being non-judgemental is about acceptance, empathy, compassion and understanding it is about having the knowledge and skills to be able to listen properly, to observe, clarifying your understanding and interpretation without assumption. This is in congruence with what you’re saying and the way you’re behaving, being fully present, not just physically. Basically, it is meeting that person where they are, in life, in business, mentally, emotionally, while creating an environment that enables them to feel safe and deal with what they need help with.
People will make judgements, especially out there on social media, but it’s a reflection of the person doing the judging. It is important to be careful that applying labels and making judgments, although it seems easy and sometimes gives momentary satisfaction of an illusory superiority, in the medium and long term erodes or even damages relationships, breaks hearts, steals peace & harmony, and on top of everything else, it destroys health (both of the object of the judgment, & especially of the one who judges). For the most part, it’s our own judgements that cause us the biggest difficulties, the assumptions we make about what other people may think or do, or how things might work out.

At this time the kindness and understanding of the other (during his or her difficult times) heals and restores....it is similar with a familiar feeling....when we are held in arms, caressed and loved, a voice inside us tells us: I can go and face the world again.

"Everything we judge in other is something within ourselves we don’t want to face."

GOODNESS never goes out of style

Our world is constantly changing, but I truly believe that goodness will never go out of style!

I agree that at times goodness could be considered unrealistic, or silly, it can be abused or even punished, but it cannot be devalued or disregarded. 

True goodness is a noble virtue – it comes naturally, it puts no conditions and expects nothing in return.

In life we all could observe that good deeds usually return to you tenfold, in more beautiful forms than you would ever imagine and at unexpected times (generally taking you by surprise).

Our elders used to believe that he who sows goodness reaps friendship, and whoever plants kindness gathers love, and we all might notice, a way or another, that this is pretty much the case.

I am certain that if we were so wise as to be good to our fellows more often and not to expect anything in return, the world (if not the entire world, for sure your world) would probably be a much better place to live, and definitively more beautiful.

From a scientific perspective, many studies proved that good people are healthier, because when you are kind and do good things you feel good, and to me this is the best way to live our humanity authentically and fully.

"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do a good work today."

Socializing: Summer Picnic 2022 & Plein Air Painting

Since the ongoing summer is spoiling all of us with nice warm days, on Friday (August 5’22) I organized by the side of the Pacific Ocean (in Vancouver) the annual picnic for my Circle, this year being conjugated with soft jazz music and a demonstration of plein air painting, graciously offered by painter Victor Gligor.

Even though the pandemic related constraints lessened a lot in our province, at the welcoming table, amongst other things, my guests were greeted with a large tray of hands sanitizers (as the safety protocol is still closely observed).

But before I will tell you few things about our beautiful evening together, firstly I would like to share that my special guest (painter Victor Gligor) is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, and over time he had numerous exhibitions, both in Granville Island at the Federation’s Gallery and in other well-known art galleries and places of reference in BC.

For your edification, here is Victor’s biography as well as his website. I was truly happy that Victor honored my invitation with such kindness and elegance.

Also, I was glad that on that Friday, Victor sold a very nice painting to one of my guests, and once again I would like to wish the new owners to fully enjoy it! 

Now briefly talking about our gathering: this is the second summer in a row I am organizing a picnic for my group and each time the outcome was heart-warming.

After more than two years of social austerity, for each of us a new occasion to meet face to face brings us all real joy. Spending time in nature, with like-minded friends, while talking about art and having a soft jazz music in the background mixed with the sound of the ocean waves is absolutely perfect for a summer evening.
And so it was our gathering! For this picnic I chose a place where the consumption of alcohol was legally accepted and having a sip of a good quality wine on top of everything else brought along a different vibe.

On the other hand, as you already know, each time I put together an original surprise for my friends and this evening I brought few liters of a traditional Romanian summer soft drink, called “Elderflower cordial” (Ro: ”Socată”) I’ve prepared at home.

To everyone's delight, this gesture reminded them all about dear childhood moments, when many Romanians back home consumed it with great pleasure; I could easily state (without any exaggeration) that this summer beverage meant for all of us what Coca-Cola meant to those who grew up on the North American continent.

Last, but not least, much appreciation to our friend Sandu who delighted us with a great jazz music!

For your enjoyment, here is a short video clip I’ve created for this occasion... 

It was really satisfying to be able to spend few hours together, socializing in a pleasant and relaxing setting while catching up on the latest developments in each other’s lives….good quality time and easy going bonding, which filled our hearts with so much joy!

Dear ones, until our paths will meet again, my best wishes to all for a great rest of the summer!

This event has been delivered in Romanian Language, featuring Romanian culture. 

● ARTICLE featuring our event on August 5, 2022, published by OBSERVATORUL (from Toronto)

● The previous picnic I organized for my Circle: Socializing...Summer Picnic 2021 & Book Launch