Practice turning people into trees

Taking a lesson from nature as food for thought this Sunday.

I love this lesson from Ram Dass...

When you go out into the woods and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You appreciate it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.

The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying “You’re too this, or I’m too this.” That judging mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are. 

Regarding judging others... and even ourselves (in my own words).

I shall "practice turning people into trees."

Meaning I will have appreciation for them as they are...

Understanding and acknowledging that we are ALL victims of circumstances at times.

Remembering that circumstances can create an environment that is nurturing - or destructive.

Everyone gets through their circumstances the best way they know how. 

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No one is perfect.

No one truly wants to be a "problem."

We are all just walking each other home.

It's time for a little empathy, compassion, and love.

Now from Ram Dass...

Reference: 

RamDass.org