R-E-S-P-E-C-T

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me!" -Aretha Franklin

Spectare means "to look"; re means "again." So respect is "to look again."

In order to really respect someone, we must be willing to look past superficial exteriors and our own projections and really SEE the person.  Most people can think of times when they have noticed the difference between being "looked at" and being truly "seen."  Respect requires that we put down our judgements, assumptions and criticisms when we relate to one another; this holds true for self-respect as well and may be the most difficult challenge.  As we peel away the layers of masks and illusions we adorn ourselves with, we begin to see the raw, shining stars within.  The more we reveal our unique, divine, true selves to the world, the more we begin to see the light shining out from others around us.  We are mirrors for each other, after all.  

As a mother of two children coming-of-age, I have a heightened awareness of the pressures of the dominant paradigm of consumer culture.  There is a delicate balance in the tween years; wanting to express one's sense of individuality and autonomy while simultaneously wanting to "fit in" and belong to a tribe of some kind.  Profit mongers prey upon this vulnerability and will do whatever they can to make us feel as though we are incomplete without this product and only will we be accepted if we wear this or cover our natural looks with that.

It's time for this society to grow up and out of the tween angst!  We must all look again, and learn to respect ourselves, find our natural gifts and true beauty that does not require carcinogenic make-up or brand-name attire.  

It's time to put down our judgements, open our hearts and learn the language of self love.  Only then, will we be able to see others with clarity. 

Take a hint from Aretha Franklin, alter the golden rule just a bit and "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them."  The nature of respect requires that we look again and get to know each other, and ourselves, well enough to know how we WANT to be seen and act accordingly.  "Find out what it means to me" is an important follow-up to 
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T."