Episode Transcript
How deep are your roots, and where do they gain nourishment from? Today, as I stood in my backyard, I took extra notice of a tree that I had had cut back to a four-foot stump.
Because of the importance of cleaning the air and our need for oxygen, I am somewhat reluctant to cut down trees. However, this particular tree was causing problems due to its aggressive growth.
Yet, as I observed this tree, I couldn't help but marvel at its resilience. Despite my efforts to trim its growth, the tree's small branches returned with a determined vigor. It was a powerful reminder that even when we're cut back, we too can strive to return to our former strength.
As a tree grows in size, so does its root system, so a robust, extended root system supports aggressive regrowth. In conjunction with this set of thoughts, an associate of mine called me today in response to my early morning text of well-wishes to her and her family.
In our brief conversation, she had insisted that the grandchild that I had talked about was my favourite. When I told her this was the grandchild who reached out to me the most, not a favourite. This was a case of 'it just is.' She said, 'Everyone has a favourite.' I never have. I saw how favoritism hurt many of my childhood friends, and how many of my clients remain scarred from the experience of not being the favourite. Favoritism can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, hindering personal growth and development.
And even the favourite can have developmental issues from being the favourite.
My apologies for the stories, but they set the foundation for this piece. Thanks for your understanding.
So, how deep are your roots, and where do they seek nourishment from?
If your root system isn't deep and extensive, every storm will uproot you.
Every misstep will cause anguish and turmoil. Decisions will be hard to reach and easily disrupted by others and external factors.
If your branches (life endeavors and desires) are trimmed or cut away, there will be a reaction instead of a calculated response. We can believe a situation defines us, and fall into hopelessness and despair. But remember, just as the tree regrows its branches, we too can regrow and possibly in a better way. Resilience is not just about bouncing back, but about using setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Disruptions to our plans can often be blessings in disguise. A change in direction can prevent potential harm or destruction. Embracing these redirections as opportunities to learn and adapt is the key to overcoming life's challenges. It's not about seeing situations as purely good or bad, but about how we respond to them that determines our fulfillment.
And what is life without fulfillment? A long, meaningless, and inconsequential set of actions.
So, where do your roots draw their nourishment from? I am a firm believer in the value of reading and listening to opposing views. My pursuit of diverse perspectives is not to attack, judge, or ridicule, but to broaden my understanding. A fixed mindset limits our perception of the world, closing us off from 99% of its potential.
We can see the futility of this all around us. How many species of insects, flowers, fruit, and so on? If an intelligence far greater than anyone on earth created such excellent varieties. What logical sense does it make for us to be exactly opposite? If someone says they hate a particular food. Would they choose to starve to death if this were the only food available? And if they did choose to starve, how intelligent would that be? Especially if others were a part of your existence.
I immediately understood my associate's insistence that I have a favourite. Because we all see life through who we are. And who we are is fashioned by the lenses and filters through which we experience life.
However, empathy allows us not to have instances or feel that our view should be adopted by everyone else. Unfortunately, with a fixed mindset and emotional volatility, hate, division, and violence become a go-to.
If we want a person to respect how we feel without consideration of others' thoughts and feelings, why should we be respected? As my English grandmother would say, "Who died and made you God?"
If you have ever seen a well-established root system, you have noticed that it has many layers of varying size and intensity. The roots will seek alternate sources of sustenance.
The root system will go out in many directions. The intelligence of this is stability and resilience. A balanced root system is an anchor during storms. And if one direction doesn't yield desired results, another will. So, there is no wasted growth.
We see that when a tree shows disease or growth problems, it can be seen in the visible branches and leaves. However, more often than not, it is the substances that are being absorbed through the root system that cause the problems.
The root system comes before the growth. Just like our childhoods come before adulthood. Our root system determines our growth type. The fertilizer of our growth determines the quality of the formation of who we become.
But, unlike a tree, we can move and regrow. We can make changes to our behaviours and thought patterns. We can become a positive influence on ourselves and others. We foster cooperation and love, rather than division and derision.
I hear people say the world is the problem. Our planet is functioning as it should. We obtain everything from "her." All situations on Earth are part of human causation. Either directly or indirectly.
We can all do our part to influence a fulfilling existence for ourselves and others. When you see others who want hate and division to reign supreme, and wish to make victims and dread others in their selfish pursuits. Take the time to become aware of their "root systems" and "Sources of nourishment." And you will see the whys.
By becoming an enlightened light in the darkness, we can all make a difference. Remember, light doesn't have to fight darkness. Darkness only flourishes in the absence of light.
Please take the time to check your root system and what you are feeding on. Then you can make inductive and deductive updates, which can be positive fulfillments for you and others around you.
Until next time, my friends. Don't do to others what you would not want done to you. Take care and stay aware.
Peace and Blessings. How about that?
