#592
When you go into the woods today....

This is something you don't often catch yourself thinking about .... walking in the woods, we are usually overwhelmed with the beauty surrounding us. We point out the different trees and wildlife, comment on all the moss on the branches, and listen to the singing of the birds or the babbling brook. It's very seldom that someone would think ... that tree is far too crooked and bent for the forest. 

We are tolerant and understanding of nature, we simply accept it, as it is. And yet, we often react negatively to human frailties. Why is that? Why is it acceptable for nature, to be imperfect and humans are held to some unrealistic standard of perfection? Being judgemental, or putting someone down, in order to make yourself feel adequate, doesn't work. It doesn't make anyone feel better. It never works that way.  Everyone deserves to be appreciated and honoured for who they are,  just as they are.

We all have challenges in some form or another. Some people have physical challenges and these are the hardest to cover. They can't hide them deep in their souls, like the emotional baggage we carry, to be faced when we are ready to deal with it. They are right 'out there' for the world to see. They cannot, without surgery, change the face they were given, or change whatever impediment they may have. We need to give them the same allowances you would afford a tree or a mossy stump. 

Everyone is beautiful, in their own way, and it would be good for all of us to be more compassionate and considerate of others .... all of them, not just our chosen circles. Like the trees in the forest, allow people to be themselves, and see them as the messengers they are. We are more apt to learn from someone that appears different from ourselves. It is in our differences that we unite.

reprint of #152