Feature Article: From Critic to Curious: Rethinking the Way We See Others

Jacqui Grant
5 days ago
3 min read

Connect and Grow Magazine: Issue 21 June 2025

Judgment often slips into our thoughts and conversations unnoticed in everyday interactions—whether online, at work, or within our circles. We assess people's appearances, behaviours, choices, or even emotions. While judgment is a natural cognitive process, holding onto it rigidly can limit our growth, damage relationships, and cloud our understanding of others. Letting go of judgment doesn't mean abandoning discernment—discernment is the ability to judge well and to make sound judgments based on experience and perception. It means replacing harsh evaluation with curiosity, empathy, and openness; the ripple effect is far-reaching and will help you reduce internal stress and inner noise.

1. Improved Relationships

When we let go of judgments, we create space for deeper, more authentic connections. Judgment puts a wall between us and others; it sends a message that we are evaluating rather than understanding. By shifting our mindset to observe rather than judge, we become better listeners and more compassionate communicators. This fosters trust, empathy, and mutual respect—key ingredients in any healthy relationship.

2. Greater Inner Peace

Judging others often stems from internal dissatisfaction or fear. When we constantly evaluate people or situations as 'good' or 'bad,' we keep our minds in tension and comparison. This fear can be of the unknown, of not being in control, or of not being accepted. Letting go of judgment helps quiet this internal chatter. It allows us to live more in the present moment, accept ourselves as we are, and reduce the mental burden of criticism, both directed outward and inward.

3. Enhanced Self-Awareness and Growth

Judging others can distract us from our vulnerabilities. But when we let go of judgment, we turn our focus inward, not to criticise ourselves but to understand. We choose to be aware of our patterns, fears, and any biases we may have. This self-awareness is an empowering part of our personal growth and an opportunity to make changes. The more we look at our own values and behaviours without judgment, the more awareness we have, and from here, we can choose to react or to respond.

4. Increased Openness and Learning

Judgment closes doors. There are times in our lives when we react, which often leads to judgments. We may believe that we already "Know" a situation or someone based on our past experiences by letting go of judgements and being open to responding, in other words, taking out time to be present with the person/people or the situation, we are open to the possibility to learning something or even seeing the situation or the person in a different way. We naturally start to listen more and take our time in interactions. Not only does this serve us, but it also serves the people we interact with as we show we are present.

With social media and instant communication, we are often in a hurry and don't pay close attention to others. You may even find that you are open to putting the phone away, being completely present, and hearing the other person/people. This openness enriches our understanding of others and deepens our wisdom and adaptability.

5. A More Compassionate Society

When we as a society come together and, release judgment can help foster a more inclusive, understanding world. Many forms of discrimination and social division are rooted in judgment—about race, gender, culture, appearance, or beliefs. When individuals and communities practice nonjudgment, they are more focused on empowering others and lifting others up, and often, the connection is one that is positive for all concerned.

How to Start Letting Go of Judgment

Letting go of judgment is a practice, not a switch. Here are a few starting points:

Practice mindfulness: Notice when judgment arises and pause to reflect on its source.
Shift to curiosity: Instead of "Why is that person like that?" ask, "What might they be going through?"
Be kind to yourself: Release self-judgment and embrace your imperfections.
Challenge assumptions: Ask yourself whether your judgments are based on facts, fears, or projections.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to think about it like this, we we choose to let go of judgment, doesn't mean we are surrendering our values or accepting harmful behaviour, it is actually the opposite. It is about it approaching the world with compassion instead of condemnation. Doing so improves our relationships and mental well-being and contributes to a kinder, more understanding world. Judgment limits us; letting it go sets us free. You may even find that the constant chatter in your mind is actually less and you enjoy interacting with others at a whole new level.

Disclaimer: Information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change