Let’s not be too quick to judge by appearance, or indeed, to judge at all!
Who is this stranger before us? In seconds, the mind sums them up by their gender, skin colour, mode of dress, state of grooming, general appearance and demeanour. We guess their age and try to interpret their body language and facial expression. We measure them against stereotypes, societal norms, standards and expectations. And they may well be doing the same to us. All before we have made eye contact or spoken. The sound and tone of voice, language, dialect and accent – more judgements!
The interaction starts from a false place. An impression, not reality. Often a deliberately false impression is given to defend or hide the real self. No wonder that we have difficulties relating to one another. The ‘stranger’ may even be a family member or loved one. Even, the Self! Do we really know ourselves? We are our own harshest judge.
What do we choose to see? A spent and dying weed, or the glorious wild dandelion having shown its golden flower, now displaying its delicate and marvellous seed-head to be dispersed in the wind and flourish far and wide?
So, how wonderful to rediscover who we really are and just be our real selves. Experience what we were born to be and express that unique authentic self in the world fearlessly and lovingly. It can be done, if we are willing to let go of all judgements and rejoice in what is.