Ram Dass on self judgment:
I think that part of it is observing oneself more impersonally. I often use this image, which I think I have used already, but let me say it again. That 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.[..]
Source of the quote – read more at: Ram Dass on Self Judgement
I’ve read about this idea in the past and today i was reminded of the story of the trees. Such a wonderful analogy Ram Dass makes here. What if we would be able to just see each other without all these labels and judgements in our minds? Next time you’re ready to judge a person, try remembering him/her as a tree. Perhaps it can help to stop judging and be more open to who’s there in front of you. I’m gonna try this 🙂
P N C O 
🙂 Reminds me of a good old song by Rush (& i’m revealing my age):
“The Trees”
There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas
The trouble with the maples
(And they’re quite convinced they’re right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks can’t help their feelings
If they like the way they’re made
And they wonder why the maples
Can’t be happy in their shade
There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream ‘Oppression!’
And the oaks just shake their heads
So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
‘The oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light’
Now there’s no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe, and saw
I won’t look up the date of this song.. very good lyrics! And a powerful ending too. Tnx for sharing this little gem
They go way back, but are still playing on! I’ve been very fond of Rush for many years. Neil Peart, the drummer, who writes all of their lyrics, has a very keen mind that often goes very deep. They are a wonderful band! 🙂
I’ll look em up Tom, sounds good! 🙂
good idea, Pieter. What kind of tree are you, by the way? I’m a baobab, hehe.
Hehe that’s a good question.. first thing which comes to mind is a Kauri tree from New Zealand. The second one which comes to mind is an European beech 🙂