We are now deep into spring. My family is started to venture outside more often for evening walks and weekend hikes. And I’m sure you can agree… there’s nothing quite like being out in the middle of nature on a beautiful spring day!

It’s so nice to sit in nature because nature just is. We allow it to be and that’s how we come to appreciate its beauty.

Think of a tree that has fallen to the ground. Just because it appears to be dead, it doesn’t mean there’s no life in it. It just means that growth is happening in a new direction and in a different way. Maybe there’s moss growing on its trunk, maybe the roots are tethering themselves in new grass. There is still beauty in that tree.

We need to try to look at our own life in the same way. Sometimes when life is challenging, you may feel like you’ve fallen to the ground and stopped growing, but that’s simply not true. Realize that your discovering new directions, viewing life from another perspective. Sometimes, it’s time to plant your roots in new grass. Sometimes, you need to allow life to happen.

I recently stumbled across a quote that I wanted to share with you from Ram Dass, who is an American spiritual teacher and the author of the book Be Here Now.

This is what he says. “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.”

Do you find yourself in a constant battle of judgment with yourself or with the circumstance of your life? Or do you ever find yourself in a constant battle of judgment toward others? We all do to some extent.

Next time you find that judgmental voice creeping up to steal your happiness, remember what Ram Dass suggests and turn people into trees. Try to appreciate them, despite their flaws and imperfections, despite what direction they are going, despite how fast they are growing. Allow others and yourself to just be. And find the beauty in that.

 

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