Judgment has a way of building walls. Walls that divide us from others, from the world, and even from ourselves. When we judge, we create a narrative of good versus bad, right versus wrong, beautiful versus ugly. These barriers can lead to hatred, close mindedness, and a rejection of the parts of life that make us uncomfortable. But what if judgment isn’t about the person or thing we’re observing? What if it’s a mirror, reflecting our own inner struggles and shadows?

The Vulture: A Teacher in Disguise

Take the vulture, for example. Many of us instinctively recoil at the sight of a vulture. They’re often seen as symbols of death, darkness, and decay. I’ve felt this myself, an unease, a quiet fear, a judgment that these creatures were somehow “ugly” or something to avoid. But when I paused to reflect, I saw something profound. The vulture doesn’t represent death; it represents renewal. It consumes decay, aiding in the cycle of life by preventing disease and returning nutrients to the earth.

In truth, the traits we assign to vultures— darkness, ugliness, an association with death, exist within us. We all have parts of ourselves we’d rather not see: fears, insecurities, past mistakes, or emotions like anger and jealousy. Denying these aspects only makes them grow stronger, lurking in the shadows of our subconscious. When we judge a vulture or anything else harshly, we’re often projecting our discomfort with our own inner shadows.

Nature’s Wisdom: No Good or Bad

The natural world doesn’t operate in binaries of good versus bad. A vulture isn’t inherently “bad” for eating a decaying animal; it’s doing its job in the ecosystem, playing its part in the balance of life. Similarly, our own darker traits or difficult emotions aren’t inherently wrong—they’re simply part of who we are. When we judge others or ourselves, we create unnecessary suffering by labeling things that could instead be understood and integrated.

By learning to view the world with curiosity instead of judgment, we can take in what we see without letting it consume us. This means acknowledging the “dark” or “ugly” traits within ourselves, sitting with them, and understanding their role in our personal ecosystem.

Breaking Down Barriers

How do we begin to dismantle the walls of judgment? Here are a few steps:

• Notice the Judgments
  The next time you find yourself judging someone or something, pause. Ask yourself: What am I really reacting to? What might this reveal about me?

• Find the Mirror
  Consider how the traits you judge in others might reflect something within yourself. Are you avoiding an aspect of your own shadow?

• Practice Compassion
  Instead of condemning, try to understand. The vulture isn’t evil; it’s essential. Similarly, the parts of ourselves or others we find difficult often have an important role to play.

• Seek Integration, Not Rejection
  When you notice a trait or emotion you dislike, don’t try to banish it. Instead, explore its purpose. Anger, for instance, can teach us about boundaries. Fear can point to areas where we need growth.

• Stay Curious
  Judgment thrives on assumptions. Curiosity, on the other hand, opens the door to learning. Ask questions instead of drawing conclusions.

A World Without Walls

When we stop judging, we begin to see the world and ourselves more clearly. We stop labeling things as good or bad and start understanding them for what they are. The traits we fear or dislike in others become opportunities for self reflection. The walls we’ve built to separate us from others crumble, and we find connection where we least expect it.

By learning from the vulture, we see that even the darkest, most misunderstood parts of life have a role in the cycle of renewal. And by embracing this lesson, we give ourselves permission to face our own shadows with grace, transforming judgment into understanding and fear into growth.