February 2010 – Respect

Download the February 2010 Mandala of the Month (~540kb)

When I asked the question “what’s the word for this mandala” the first word that blasted into my head  was “RESPECT” to which I was immediately reminded of Aretha Franklin and the lyrics to her song,  “R…E…S…P…E…C…T….find out what it means to me…”

In looking up its definition, “respect” is both a noun and a verb.  As a verb it means “to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.”  As a noun it means “the state of being regarded with honor or esteem; a willingness to show consideration or appreciation.”

And what kind of respect are we talking about?  The kind we feel out of honor or the kind we feel out of fear?  Parents/leaders/employers/elected officials/etc. often demand respect failing to realize that they have to EARN it.

So this begs the question, how well do we respect ourselves?  Do we treat ourselves with honor and appreciation?  Or do we often put ourselves down, act in a way that demonstrates low self worth or esteem.    Are we really eating that that second helping of dessert because we honor and respect ourselves?  How would our behavior change if we truly appreciated ourselves?

Which then leads into how well do we respect others?  Have you watched the news lately?  We have a lot of work to do.  Our country, our world is so divisive, so out of touch with each other that as a society we tend to be disrespectful to anyone who is different or thinks differently.  Even within our own inner circle of friends and neighbors, are we doing all that we can to be considerate/appreciative of them…regardless of how inconsiderate they may be to us?

I know it’s a tall order.   So let’s start with ourselves.  Let’s be more respective of and to ourselves.   We all  have value.  When we learn to honor ourselves, we will in turn learn how to honor others.  If this process requires that we stand up to someone for the first time, let’s do so with respect even if we fail to receive it in return. Know that sometimes the most respectful thing we can do in a given situation may be to walk away, to let them go.

Ponder the word respect…”find out what it means to you” as you color this month’s mandala.

Happy Coloring!

Maureen, The Mandala Lady

I would love to see your colorings…Upload them to Flickr at  http://www.flickr.com/groups/mandalas/