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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?