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Excerpts from Living Values Activities for Children and
Respect Ideas at Home for Parents of
 

• Every human being has innate worth.
• Part of self-respect is knowing my own qualities. 
• When we have respect for the self, it is easy to have respect for others.

The Story of Two Birds

Two birds were very happy in the same tree, a willow tree. One of them rested on a branch at the highest part of the willow; the other one was down below, where one branch joined another.

After a while, the bird perched in the highest part of the tree said, to break the ice, "Oh, what beautiful green leaves these are!"

The bird resting on the branch below took this statement as a provocation. He replied in a curt manner, "Are you blind? Can't you see they are white?"

The one in the highest part, upset, answered, "It's you who is blind! They are green!"

The other bird, from below with his beak pointed upward, responded, "I bet my tail feathers they are white. You don't know anything."

The bird at the top felt his temper flare up and, without thinking twice, he jumped down to the same branch as his adversary to teach him a lesson.

The other bird did not move. The two birds stood eye to eye they were so close, their feathers were ruffled with rage. In their tradition, they both looked above before they started the fight. 

The bird that had come down from above said with much surprise, "How strange! Look at the leaves, they are white!" And he invited his friend, "Come up to where I was before."

They flew to the highest branch of the willow tree and this time they said together, "Look the leaves, they are so green!"

Discuss the story and the above Respect Reflection Points.


Express Yourself Artistically
Draw a tree, writing in your personal qualities and talents in the roots, the positive things you do in the branches, and successes of those things in the leaves and fruits. The trees could be drawn on paper or made of other available materials. 


People In My Life Who Make A Difference
Photograph your friends and people in your life and the community who make a difference. Under each picture write a caption describing how they help make a better world.


Enjoy a Respect Relaxation/Focusing Exercise
"Think of the stars . . . imagine the self in the silence the stars seem to radiate. They are so beautiful in the sky, they sparkle and shine . . . quiet and peaceful . . . Be very still . . . Relax your toes and legs . . . Relax your stomach . . . and your shoulders . . . Relax your arms . . . and your face . . . feel safe . . . allow peace to surround you . .. . Inside you are like a beautiful little star . . . love is at your core . . . You are capable . . . you are who you are . . . Each person brings special qualities to the world . . . you are valuable . . . Enjoy the feeling of respect inside. . . You are stars of respect . . . let yourself be quiet and peaceful inside . . . Focus . . . You are concentrated . . . full of respect . . . content. . . Slowly bring your attention back to the room."