Is it possible for someone to meet the man or women of their dreams after just a few minutes of casual conversation? That's the premise behind speed dating, a new matchmaking process being played in bars, clubs and community centers around the world.

Men and women are rotated to meet each other over a series of short "dates," usually lasting from 3 to 8 minutes depending on the organization running the event. At the end of each date, the organizer rings a bell or clinks a glass to signal participants to move on to the next date. At the end of the event, participants submit a list of who they would like to provide their contact information to. If there is a match, contact information is forwarded to both parties.

The success of speed dating is based on an inherent human trait - snap judgments. Speed-dating organizers have found a way to appeal to our fast-paced society using the awareness of how many people make snap judgments in order to move on to the next thing - even a potential partner. Sadly, we often miss out on fully experiencing situations and people, especially if a snap judgment is made according to what is seen on the surface.

The judgments we make and our resulting actions tend to be what we think is of value to us. We may give more time and energy to a person or an outcome based on a sense of feeling good, and other times we may negate people or things because we don't see the value of our time or effort. In some situations we remain neutral, having no preference one way or another because we don't see the relevance to us.

When we practice mindfulness, a non-judging approach allows us to make decision with more clarity and balance rather than automatically accepting or condemning based on limited knowledge or our past experiences.

Be aware of the snap judgments you make. You might discover negative assumptions you didn't realize you had, and in reality, may not be accurate.