"森の中に入って木々を見ると、様々な木があり、それらの中には曲がったものもあれば、まっすぐなものもあり、常緑樹もあれば、その他の木もあります。その木を見て受け入れます。その木がなぜそうなっているのかを理解します。十分な光を浴びなかったからそのように育ったのだと。感情的にはならずに、ただ受け入れます。木を鑑賞するのです。しかし、人間に近づくと、それをすべて失ってしまいます。そして「あなたはこうすぎる、私はこうすぎる」と常に言います。その判断の心が入ってきます。だから私は人々を木に変える練習をします。それはありの"

This quote is all about embracing the beauty of people just as they are, with all their imperfections and quirks. Imagine a walk in the woods where you see trees of all shapes and sizes—some are straight, some are bent, some are evergreen while others are deciduous. Each tree has its own story, shaped by the environment around it. You don't judge these trees; you simply appreciate them for what they are. The idea here is that we should do the same with people.

Historically, this kind of thinking is rooted in mindfulness and acceptance teachings, often tied to Buddhist practices or the wisdom of spiritual leaders like Ram Dass. It’s about breaking the habit of judgment and embracing a more compassionate, understanding view of others.

To bring this idea to life, think about a real-life situation. Picture a workplace where team members have different working styles. You've got Jane, who’s meticulous and a bit slow, and then there’s Mark, who’s quick but sometimes a bit sloppy. If you were to apply this wisdom, you’d appreciate Jane’s attention to detail and Mark’s efficiency without getting annoyed at Jane for being too slow or Mark for being a bit messy. You'd see them as you see those trees—each with their own strengths and reasons for being the way they are.

So how can you apply this in your everyday life? Start by noticing when you’re quick to judge. Catch yourself thinking, “Why is she always like this?” or “I wish he would change.” Instead, take a step back and think about why they might be that way. Maybe Jane is slow because she grew up in an environment where precision was highly valued. Maybe Mark developed his speedy work style to manage a heavy workload. Appreciate them for what they bring to the table.

Let’s take a relatable story to illustrate this. Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Your cousin Tim always tells the same old stories, and it drives you nuts. But this time, you decide to see Tim as you would one of those trees. You realize he tells those stories because they remind him of happy times or because that’s how he connects with everyone. Suddenly, you’re not annoyed anymore—you’re appreciative of Tim’s effort to bond with the family.

By seeing people as trees, you’re practicing non-judgment and acceptance. It’s not about condoning negative behavior but understanding that everyone has reasons for being the way they are. When you stop judging and start appreciating, you create a more compassionate world for yourself and those around you.

So next time you find yourself in a situation where you’re quick to judge, take a breath. Picture that person as a tree in the forest. Understand their shape, their quirks, and appreciate them just as they are. It’s like a breath of fresh air in a world that’s often too quick to judge. And who knows? You might just find that people are a lot more wonderful than you ever realized.