On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, we’re talking about something we all ​do and sometimes struggle with: judgment.  

You know that voice in your head that's wicked quick to criticize you, make assumptions about others, or have an opinion on things that you may not really know anything about?

I'm sharing why that ego-voice of judgment is full of shit and how it's actually keeps us stuck and separate from real human connection. 

I also drop us all (myself included) a gentle reminder about how we literally have no idea what kind of situations or suffering other people are navigating or going through.  

I share stories about friends who've lost parents, who’ve had to say goodbye to beloved pets, and are dealing with massive life challenges - all while looking totally fine on the outside.

People are sometimes walking around with “open wounds” we can't see, so maybe we could all use a little more compassion and care, and a lot less judgment. 

My big takeaway (and challenge to you) is to get curious instead of critical.

When you catch yourself judging someone - whether it's how they look, what they're doing, or who they are - pause and ask, "What don't I know about their story?" 

Turns out, we're not all-knowing gods after all, and pretending we are is just our ego playing tricks on us. 😆

I wrap this episode up by sharing some spiritual wisdom about self-observation, and how humor can be a powerful tool to interrupt those harsh inner-narratives.  

The thing is, we're all just a bunch of clumsy humans, so let's do our best to reserve judgment, and instead, let’s lead with love, curiosity, and a whole lot of grace!

KK’S KEY TAKEAWAYS:

•​ Judgment is the ego's default mode, but we can interrupt this pattern with curiosity and compassion.

•​ We just don’t know the full story of what someone is experiencing or going through.

•​ Personal discernment is different from judgment - it's about choosing what's right for you, not condemning others.

•​ “The highest form of spiritual practice is self-observation without judgment.”

•​ Humor can be a powerful tool to break the cycle of self-criticism and judgment.

•​ Most people are walking around with unseen wounds and fighting battles we know nothing about.

•​ Our brains naturally want to categorize and judge to feel safe, but this limits our understanding of others.

•​ We cannot truly judge anything - because we lack an omniscient perspective on the past, present, and future.

•​ Compassion and curiosity are more transformative than criticism and quick assumptions.

BIO:

Spiritual mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development. 

Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality. 

Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatics, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what’s possible. 

A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing instructor, Karen is a frequent speaker and retreat leader. Via her programs The Quest and The Nest, she coaches individuals and groups. 

With The Karen Kenney Podcast, she encourages listeners to shift from a thought system of fear to one of love, compassion, and personal responsibility. 

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Website: http://karenkenney.com

Podcast: https://www.karenkenney.com/podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenkenneylive/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkenneylive/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenKenney