The Invisible Microphone

I fully admit I am critical: of others, strangers, friends, family and myself.  I too often put that invisible microphone to their face and ask “Did you really mean that?”

What gives us the right to be so overly judgmental of people?  Is it the blaring broadcast of media?  It is handed to us shiny exquisite devices so we are never out of touch with media’s judgment:  So we too must judge, right?

Click the comments section of any online news article today and you will find hundreds of people judging others for their comments. Many of the harshest comments are made back and forth between people who do not even know each other: Strangers judging strangers in a heated online battle ground.  It is a cruel view of the world.

I sat on the steps the other morning judging myself, contemplating this blog.  I had asked tough questions of my friend, I wondered was I too critical, was I too blunt?   Isn’t always best to wait until someone ask for your advice/judgment?  Have I become an abuser of the invisible microphone?

In my professional life, I have attend classes on Critical Thinking, that is how NOT to be so critical.  I do this very well in my professional life; I have work hard to apply it to my private life.  One of the biggest lessons learned is to listen:  Just listen.  You don’t always have to put that microphone to their mouth, you don’t have to comment, criticize, or judge, just listen.

There is so much criticism and hate in the world today; it’s no wonder we are caught in the trap of the invisible microphone.  Think before you speak, think before you pass judgment and criticize.  

 Put away your microphone for just a day and feel the freedom and relieve of being a kinder, gentler person.

Peace.