Viewing People as Trees

When was the last time you stopped and looked at a tree? Weird question, no doubt, but hang in there with me. Most likely the last time you saw a tree, of any kind, you didn't judge the tree on its characteristics, right?

Trees, like humans, come in many sizes, shapes, colors and they grow by means of many ways.

My dad sent this quote to our family group chat one night,

"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 whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn't get enough light so it turned out 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."—Ram Dass

How many times do we look at someone we've never met, or even talked to, and assume we know who that person is? I know I'm guilty of it. In some aspects, it might be human nature to do so. But, what happens after that initial judgment is key. Do we run with those judgments? Do we wipe them away and let the person show who they really are? These questions are key when you look at how you treat others. They are questions I'm asking myself moving forward in my own life. It's essential in giving everyone a fair chance to show their true colors, free of judgment.

Moving forward, as my dad said, I want to view each person as a tree.

Each person you know or that you meet has a story. They are who they are because of their past. Things that happen each day form us into who we are. It's the same with trees. They grow, like humans, and along the way, they are nourished. But, some people and some trees face a lack of nourishment in their journey, and this is where the mindset of not judging someone could come in handy.

When you see a tree that isn't in the best shape, odds are that you don't question why the tree looks like it does. Why is it so different with people? Why do we feel the need to figure out someone's life story without asking them about it?

Let's give people more chances to tell you their story. Let them show you who they are. Because if we try and write everyone's story for them, we might miss out on beautiful opportunities to connect with each other.

And remember: Be Kind. Be Positive. Be Yourself.