​Celebrating Our Human Differences and Similarities

My work with horses for the past couple of decades has shown me that we humans have developed an unhealthy habit. We unfairly judge people for their differences. It could be that someone looks different, speaks differently or dresses differently. Somehow the person judging seems to think that by judging others, which in effect means disliking them or putting them down, it makes them more powerful. However this quote from an unknown source has something to say about that. “When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical.”
 
Judgmental criticism can only be made based on assumptions and opinions, but never the truth. These behaviors keep us tethered to unproductive and unhealthy relationships both personal and professional.
 
This type of behavior only serves to make one feel more isolated and lonely. Working with horses brings this type of behavior to the foreground immediately. Horses know when a human is lying. They sense what a person’s true feelings are despite what the person says.
 
As we go into the holiday season, where we sing songs that call for peace on earth and goodwill to men, let us put our judgments aside. Not just for a day or a season. Let’s focus on our similarities as members of the one and only human race.
 
I’m not suggesting that you have to be cozy with everyone, but if you make an effort to see the beauty in differences maybe we can all grow to appreciate the differences as we appreciate different colors. It would be a lot less interesting if everyone were the same.
 
May you and your herd of loved and cherished family and friends have a healthy, happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.