How do we avoid judgement of others? When do we cross that fine line between judging others and simply making our own choices? How will the human race ever evolve beyond the "I'm right and so you must be wrong" thinking?

Being a member and dedicated supporter of the Alameda Spiritual Living Center brings these questions to light constantly. After Sunday Service yesterday, I had a delightful conversation with Tom, a gentleman who attends our services semi-regularly.

As conversations have a way of winding around and flowing from one subject to another, we ended with the subject of being judgemental. I had made a statement that I felt was very judgemental of Sarah Palin's political perfomance as Govenor of Alaska. I am trying to walk the talk of inclusiveness and radical acceptance and so I tried to reframe what I was saying about Palin. It was a struggle, how can I speak without judgement when I believe something is so 'wrong' for the greater good of an animal species, of the human species, of our country, our world?
I know that there are times when it is simply better (for everyone) to keep one's opinions to oneself. This is not one of those times!

When Tom told me that this is an area he is no longer willing to struggle with. He said, "I am going to make judgements, that's just the way it is."  He went on to point out that is just a way we have of making our choices in life. So simple! How could I ever make a choice for myself without "judging" another choice to be less good for me and (in my humble opinion) less good for others.

Now I will give less thought and energy to the worry about judging others and more thought and energy to making choices that are Good for me. Always remembering that whatever I deem to be good for me must also be good for others, for all my neighbors, for Mother Earth. In my humble opinion, that is. :-)

Though, I do know, that every major religion and spiritual tradition teaches in, one way or another, to Love our Creator, ourselves and all of our neighbors. When the Human Race evolves to a consciousness where all choices are made with Love - judgement will disappear.  At the moment of deciding,  with each choice you make, just ask - What Would Love Do?

Thank you, Rev. Ouida J. Cooper-Rodriguez, for this great line.

The affirmations that I posted during the month of August were/are powerful. I have been repeating them for some time now. I could write new ones each day, but these are special to me and have become mantras that I can choose from for any given situation or desire.

Chanting mantras and stating affirmations set our intentions and inform the Universe (God) what it is we desire to be and have. Action must follow these before anything new can manifest in ouir lives.

There's a song I hear quite often entitled "Waiting For the World to Change" and that is what we do much of the time. We fall into the intellectual trap of beliving that stating our intentions and imprinting them with repetition will cause the manifestation we desire.

The other false belief that is prevalent is that we should get what we want when we want it and how we want it. The Universe, however, has its own time, method and result that is exactly for our highest good and yet, is still the thing we desire. Don't give up before the Miracle happens.

My most recent example is this - I have now been a soloist in our Alameda Spiritil Living Center 'Sounds of Joy' Chorus. This Sunday I sang my first solo part in the song "Gifts of the Goddess" written by Karen Drucker. I did not try to sing like Karen, I just sang from my heart and Soul and sang my best as only I could sing this song on that day. It felt magical - I call it a miracle.

I have had this desire, even a longing you could say, to sing in public for quite a few years. About three/four years ago I started singing in the chorus at The Home of Truth . I couldn't carry a tune in a bushel basket and had a range of maybe two notes. But I loved it, no one ever once said, "Carol, your voice has potential" but I kept on trying. It took time, and the more I believed I could, the more effort I would put forth. I took some voice lessons, started piano lessons again to help me read sheet music a little better. Many people started to say things like. "I just love to watch you sing!" My heart's desire was shining through, so I kept at it. The belief that I could sing changed to I know I can sing! This Sunday people not only liked to watch me sing, they actually enjoyed listening to me sing.

With my desire always there for the Universe to respond to, and some effort and action on my part, God gave me another gift to share with others. My world changed! That is the Miracle!

A miracle because even years ago, before I had smoked for over 35 years, I did not believe that I could sing. I wanted to, but didn't dare even try. I am 63 years young now and even smoking for so many years did not rob me of the wonderful opportunity of inspiring people with music. Thank God, Allah, Great Spirit, Jehweh................Thank my ASLC Chorus Sisters - Dale, Elizabeth, Lynda, Rene', MarieAnne, Katie, Lea and Rev. Ouida! And Thank you, Rev. Carol, for expressing God as the vibration of your unique voice.