Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog

Sometimes, especially regarding things in the outside world, judgment is necessary. When crossing the street (on foot) one must prudently judge when the appropriate time to cross exists (to avoid oncoming traffic). However, many of us “overuse” judgment, especially inwardly, within (and “as”) consciousness. One may judge inwardly, condemning oneself for what one did years ago. One, however, is not what one was years ago, and it may be wiser to be more attentive to “the present” than to dwell on what happened in (and “as”) the distant past. One may project or imagine (via inward judgment) that one is inferior to others, and (thus), while in public, feel “looked down on” or “inferior.” Such a projection (via self-judgment) may be a waste of energy. Or one may project (to oneself inwardly) that one is superior or far more elite than most people; in such a case one may radiate an air of bigotry (against others) and pompousness (about oneself).

Holistic intelligence only uses judgment sparingly and prudently (when it is actually needed). It transcends the limited self (that gets tangled in, and by, judgment). It does not become a victim of inner conflicts and crude situations reflected by habitual, conditioned protrusions of judgment. Such intelligence perceives clearly and directly without a lot of conflict-inducing judgment clouding and interfering with direct perception and understanding. (Such intelligence is likely not just personal intelligence, by the way… it’s an intelligence that transcends the self.) Judgment often leads to conclusions… and conclusions frequently cloud the mind and box it in (into rigid, crass, limited, conditioned ways). The light of intelligence can nullify the darkness (i.e., the distortion) that crude judgment can manifest as.