Build…

As humans, we have an inbuilt desire to close the gap between what we know and what we think we know. Alas, so often, what fills that void is judgement. And frequently harshly so.

On meeting Shaun and his human, it was clear he had been well-treated and that his condition was good – save he needed to be shorn. And whilst many were quick to fill in the blanks of why that was so, so few were to offer a hand.

Far easier to point a finger.

As humans, we have an inbuilt desire to close the gap between what we know and what we think we know. Alas, so often, what fills that void is judgement.

And frequently harshly so.

On meeting Shaun and his human, it was clear he had been well-treated and that his condition was good – save he needed to be shorn. And whilst many were quick to fill in the blanks of why that was so, so few were to offer a hand.

Far easier to point a finger.

And when we let such circumstances rub up against our hearts and minds, we can find an incredible opportunity to expand both. For what people and animals need so much in this world is not our judgement but our love.

To cast off our preconceptions that not only unfairly and unjustly confine and consign others but deny ourselves from being our best versions. And often, the worst we see in others reflects what we fail to see in ourselves.

Here’s but one example. See sheep as blind and dull automatons? Perhaps, then, that is what one has become.

In the short time we have known Shaun the Sheep, we have found him to be anything but. He is generous of spirit, although he was wisely cautious at first. However, in this we have a unique insight into his much-maligned kind. For they have an incredible ability to take in what is around them and protect themselves as they adjust and adapt. Coming out the other side with the most serene way of living, which causes the least harm to others.

Few more exemplary species of animals exist in this world than sheep. This stands as one of the many reasons we love them so.

And so today, as Shaun the Sheep bids goodbye to his fleece and greets new sheepy pals, we are reminded of what matters most in this world: to observe without judgement and to do our best to be understanding of others, for we never know what they are going through, and, above all else, to be kind, for this is the way we can build a better world for everyone.