Non-Judgement

What is Non-Judgement?

Emotional judgement refers to the tendency to have secondary (or meta-emotional) thoughts or emotions about the original emotion. For example, you may get angry about something and then start feeling guilt for feeling angry. When this happens, it is really your judgment of the original anger emotion as being bad in some way that leads to the rise of the guilt. When you are non-judgemental, you unconditionally accept your emotions and we don’t judge yourself for having those emotions.

Why is it important to build this skill?

The ability to accept your emotions and not make negative judgments about yourself or your feelings prevents a lot of excess negative emotions from emerging. Everyone has a right to his or her feelings. Feelings do not give us the right to lash out at others, but we are allowed and should not feel bad about having emotions. Emotions serve important functions and arise naturally. Judging them just waists vital energy.

​Activities to develop this skill:

Mindfulness

Recent research suggests that engaging in mindfulness can contribute to improved mental-health and well-being, perhaps through increasing awareness and acceptance of emotions. In this activity, you practice mindfulness.

Positive Attention

In this activity, you practice paying attention to the positive things in your life to strengthen your ability to ficus on these things.

Learn about other Skills >>

Berkeley Well Being Institute