Shaking off Loneliness & Judgement by Seeing the Innocence in Others (Learning to Love Well Series) [22]

We're digging into our second lesson on Learning to Love Well, which is seeing the innocence in others. This skill gets at the heart of the illusion of separation and opening up to the truth that we are interdependent. And, when we see the innocence in others, then we'll start to see it in ourselves as well (and even if we start the other way around). No matter who you start with, once you see the true essence of yourself and others (and give yourself and others a break), the world really opens up. Joy has bigger paths to flow through when you're gentler on yourself and others and daily life gets, well, easier.  Side note: We're now releasing weekly episodes! Tune in every Wednesday for new infusions of joy. Be sure to subscribe/follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite podcast platform so new episodes appear in your feed. And please give us a top rating/review on that platform to help spread more joy.    About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek. The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab Program.   Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).   Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app: Spotify | Apple | YouTube   Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram | LinkedIn   Key Takeaways: Sister Helen Prejean: "I watch what I'm doing to see what I believe." "A person is more than the worst thing he has ever done."   Seeing the innocence of others vs. looking down on someone... it can be tricky to notice the difference. When we limit judgment on others, we suspend it on ourselves (and vice versa). This is healing.  Theory of Mind: A reminder that our beliefs about what people are thinking are just that; beliefs and theories. We make guesses through the lens of our own experience.  The Golden Rule is surprisingly helpful for mental health: Treat others and we would like to be treated. The benefits of it go both ways.  Imagine-other perspective taking vs. imagine-self perspective taking. Imagine-others can be more helpful and less stressful.  Two of Parker Palmer's Habits of the Heart that really resonate here:  An understanding that we're all in this together. An appreciation of the value of "otherness."    Links Mentioned: Parker Palmer's Five Habits of the Heart Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. Please see our terms for more information.   If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at [email protected]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org