Releasing judgement

   Human beings are prone to judgement.  I wish it were not so, but it is a reality of life.  I speak from experience! Judgements come uninvited into my mind with an ease that is frightening.  I am continually engaged in a judgement reduction program which seems to need some fine tuning.  This matter was brought clearly into focus today as I sat in a business meeting.  As the hours passed  I became increasingly cranky and I began to think unflattering and unkind thoughts about my colleagues.  It was unfair and completely out of line.  These are good people with generous spirits who happen to be caught in dying system. The distressed system is the issue and we all are trying to find our way through the transformation without a map or sense of direction. 
     Knowing that an attack of the crankies was a distinct possibility today, I took my knitting and some metallic colored pencils.  The pencils were a great hit at my table.  I promised Play Doh from my magical knitting bag for the next meeting.  Despite my best attempts at distraction, I still found myself making harsh judgements.  It didn't bring any joy to my being but rather left me feeling restless and out of sorts.
    The challenge is, as the Buddhists say, to not attach.  One of my favorite sayings is " Show up.  Be present.  Tell the truth.  Let go of the outcome."  There is great truth in those word when I remember them.  When I remember them life is better, judgements flee and I am more at peace with myself and the world.  No one ever needs a case of the crankies.   Maybe we can start a global campaign to eradicate the crankies  like we did with polio. In the meantime perhaps I will write those words of wisdom in my notes when we gather again.  Between the reminders and the Play Doh I might have a chance!