There is a story from Ram Dass who is a spiritual teacher, that a friend shared with me. When I heard this story, it had a very powerful impact and a great reminder that I felt the need to share with other people.
“When you are in the woods and look at the trees, you will notice that there are different types of trees. Some are straight, some are bent, some of them are evergreen, and some look whatever. When you look at the trees, you are going to allow it, and this will leave you appreciating it.
You will see the trees just the way they are. You will start understanding that it might not have gotten enough light, and that is why it turned out the way it did. You don’t start getting emotional about it. You allow it and you appreciate the tree the way it is.
When you are around other people, you start losing this. You keep saying “This person is too this or I am too this.” The judgmental mind starts coming in.
This is why I always turn people into trees. What this means is that I appreciate everyone just the way they are.”
This analogy is very good. It encourages people to love and appreciate each other, be kind to one another, and seeing past our opinions, judgments, and preconceived notions we have of each other.
Imagine how great the world would be if we started turning people into trees – it will end up giving people what they need the most – love and acceptance, regardless of how they are.