Panda Heart Publishing

This past week we were looking at animals and what adjectives they brought to our minds as well as how they made us feel.  I found myself looking at many different animals: dogs, cats, birds, squirrels, deer, etc.  The adjectives that came to my mind were:  Beautiful, Flowing, Majestic, Playful, Cute, Lively, Friendly, etc.

I again found that I couldn’t compare them, one to another.  They were simply unique and special just as they were.  Each one was lovable and fun to be around.  I had feelings of warmth as I watched them.  I must admit, however, I didn’t see any ferocious animals that were growling at me.

When the same  group of preschool teachers did this exercise, during a workshop, these were some of the adjectives that they stated:  Inquisitive, Fun, Active, Friendly, Lovable, Loyal, Relaxed, Trusting, Strong, Adorable, Obedient, Joyful, Intriguing, etc.

What did your list of adjectives look like?  Were you able to make comparisons when observing two animals at once?  Was one better looking than the other or did you also find it impossible to compare their different aspects.  Did they all seemed beautiful and express a certain energy that was unique to each one?

For the next week, let’s observe the people that we see.  During the workshop, I had the teachers look at pictures of teens in various scenes.   Take a few moments and observe people closely, especially the teenage population.   Think of any adjectives that could be used to describe them.  Some of us, if we wish, can make a list of these adjectives for future reflection as we go on to the next part.

I would love any comments that you would like to share as you are doing this exercise or any other comments on why we make judgments.

For the past week, I have been paying close attention to parts of nature as I have been experiencing them.  Some of the adjectives that came to my mind were:  Beautiful, Soothing, Majestic, Flowing, Alive, Energizing, and Grounded.

When I thought of how I felt when observing nature, I experienced serenity, calmness, peace, in touch with my heart energy, and many more feelings of relaxation.  I seemed to slow down my pace to a more even rhythm.

When I gave this exercise to a group of preschool teachers, during a workshop, these were some of the adjectives that they stated:  Balanced, Colorful, Symmetrical, Flowing, Tranquil, Peaceful, Strong, Awesome, Bountiful, Wise, Massive, Vibrant, Spiritual, Mystical, Enchanting, Grounded, and Inviting.

What did your list of adjectives look like?  Neither the group of teachers nor I could find any way of comparing the different aspects of nature that we observed.  They all seemed beautiful and expressed a certain energy that was unique to each one.

Over the next week, let’s look at any animals that we see.  Take a few moments and observe them closely.  Think of any adjectives that could be used to describe them.  Some of us, if we wish, can make a list of these adjectives for future reflection as we go on to the next part.

Please participate with any comments on this subject or experiences you have had as we remain in the question, “Why Make Judgments?”.

How often do we find ourselves judging others?  It seems like the ongoing way we live our lives and the one we judge the most harshly is usually ourselves.  How did we get into this habit?  Were we born to be judgmental?

I would love to try an experiment with all of those who would like to participate with me.  Let’s spend the next week critically viewing any plants, trees, flowers or any other aspect we see in nature, in our yards, the park, or anywhere.  Take a few moments to truly observe this part of nature.

What does it look like?  Examine all of it’s physical characteristics.  List the adjectives that you would use to describe it.  How does it make you feel when you view this part of nature?  What emotion(s) does it bring up?

Now compare it to the surrounding trees, plants, or flowers, etc.  Is it better than the others, prettier, or perhaps not as full or beautiful as the others?  How does it compare to the surrounding environment.  Are you even able to analyze this part of nature using these qualities as descriptions?

It might help to write down some notes on what you are experiencing during this exercise.  I will share my views next week as we can go on to the part II.

I would also love any of your thoughts on why we make judgments?

I decided to bring back my last New Years’ blog.  The message always has the same true meaning.

One of the goals in writing my children’s books was to teach children and their parents to unleash their “Yin Spirit”.  As the young panda “Yin” takes his journey through the story, he finds the most important part of who he is.  He discovers his heart and all his gifts he can share with others.

“Yin Spirit” is defined as “Sharing the heart of our humanity with the world.”  The most significant attribute of the human species is our humanity.  It is the warm feeling of compassion that we find within ourselves, especially during the holidays and the hope for the new year.

It is easy to get caught up in the hectic pace and seemingly important priorities that can take over our lives and forget about what really matters, which is the love and companionship we share with our friends and family and the ability to reach out to others in their time of need.  The capacity of the human heart to love is unlimited.

What is the true wealth of the human experience?  Ask any person at the end of their lives.  “If you had more time, what would you do?”  Their answers are never to spend more time at the office or make more money, but rather, it is to spend more time with the people they love and form more lasting relationships.

The true meaning and fulfillment in life is discovering the treasures that we have in our hearts.  Take your family or your friends on a treasure hunt.  Explore inside and discover the gifts in your own hearts.  Make a list of all the wonderful and magical attributes you find within your hearts.  Then use these gifts freely because the more you use them, the fuller your hearts become.  It is truly the gifts that always give back more in return.

The true pot of gold that exists at the end of the rainbow is the unlimited wealth we each hold in our own hearts and our never ending capacity to love.

When we reflect back on some of our favorite holiday times, what memories do we hold?  As a child, I can remember a favorite doll that Santa left under the tree, but most of all I remember being with all of my family and friends and the wonderful times that we had just being together.   I remember all of the warmth and love in the air.

If in our reflection about the holidays, we mostly remember the people that we love who are in our lives and the warmth of being together, than maybe we should consider this the most important priority we bring to our holidays now.  It really isn’t about how much we can buy for each other, how many presents “should” be under the tree or around a mantle of candles, but rather the love that we share with each other.

I just experienced our annual Christmas family gathering (around 50 people) last Saturday.  It was our turn to host this wonderful event.  When I looked around and saw how much love was in the room, I was overwhelmed with joy.  Our gatherings have always been about being togehter and the amazing amount of fun that we all have when we are with each other.

Let us remember that the most important gift that we can give to each other is the gifts of our hearts, the gift of ourselves, and the gift of love.  Whether we can physically be with our friends or family during these holidays, let’s touch in however we can.  Perhaps a phone call, a letter, or any way that we can be in contact.  Just to let them know how much we appreciate them being in our lives and how much we care.

I hope all of you have a joyous holiday filled with warmth and love and a peaceful New Year of giving and sharing the gifts of your hearts.