The Field Beyond Judgment
Discovering connection where right and wrong dissolve.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." – Rumi
This timeless verse by the Sufi poet Rumi invites us to look past the boundaries of judgment—right and wrong, good and bad—and step into a space where true understanding is possible. But what does this mean in practice?
Rumi isn’t dismissing morality. Instead, he’s pointing us toward a deeper layer of human connection, where labels and judgments fall away, and what remains is clarity, compassion, and unity. This “field” is the realm of empathy and presence, where conflicts dissolve, and we can truly meet one another.
Understanding Beyond Judgments
Consider a conflict between two people—a friend or coworker. Each person clings to their perspective, believing they’re right. Judgment divides them: one sees the other’s actions as “wrong,” while the other defends their stance. In this state, resolution seems impossible.
Now imagine both stepping into Rumi’s field. Instead of focusing on blame, they acknowledge the shared humanity beneath their perspectives. Here, empathy replaces judgment, and they listen—not to defend, but to understand.
This is what Nelson Mandela did when he emerged from prison after 27 years. He could have focused on the "wrongdoing" of his oppressors. Instead, he chose reconciliation, uniting a divided South Africa. Mandela found the field Rumi spoke of—a space beyond blame, where lasting peace is built.
Letting Go of the Binary
Rumi’s words also speak to our inner conflicts. How often do we judge ourselves harshly for mistakes? We label our actions, our thoughts, even our feelings as “right” or “wrong,” and in doing so, we create suffering.
When you step into the field Rumi describes, you allow yourself to simply be. Instead of berating yourself for falling short, you meet your imperfections with grace and curiosity. This shift is transformative—it frees you to grow without the weight of judgment.
How Do We Find the Field?
Pause and Reflect: In moments of tension, pause before reacting. Ask yourself: What if I let go of being right? What would I see instead?
Practice Empathy: Imagine the other person’s perspective. You don’t have to agree, but try to understand where they’re coming from.
Release the Need to Win: Recognize that connection matters more than being “right.”
Meditate on Acceptance: Spend time in silence, reflecting on this question: What would it feel like to meet myself—and others—beyond judgment?
The next time you find yourself locked in judgment—of yourself or others—pause. Imagine that field. Then step into it. As Rumi promised, it’s there that we truly meet.