TRAINING IN RESILIENCE
Learning from Trees
THE tree-trunk forms one half of a tree and the roots the other
half. Botanists tell us that there is just as much of a tree spread
under the ground as there is standing above the ground. The top
half of a tree can only stand erect and verdant above the ground when
it is prepared to bury its other half beneath the ground. This is indeed
a great lesson which trees show to humankind. This phenomenon
teaches man the secret of a resilient and stable foundation for his
endeavours. One philosopher puts it this way:
“Root downward, fruit upward—that is the divine protocol. The rose
comes to perfect combination of colour, line and aroma atop a tall stem.
Its perfection is achieved, however, because first a root went down into the homely matrix of the common earth. Those who till the soil or garden understand the analogy. Our interests have so centered on gathering the fruit that it has been easy to forget the cultivation of the root. We cannot really prosper and have plenty without first rooting in a life of sharing. The horn of plenty does not stay full unless first there is rooting in sharing.”
Trees, in their own way, impart us the lesson of nature that if we seek to progress outwardly, we must first strengthen ourselves inwardly. We must begin from the base of our own selves before we can hope to build society anew
A tree stands above the ground by burying its roots deep into the earth, spreading them out over a large area. Although hidden from sight, the roots are what ground the tree, continuously growing throughout the nutrient rich soil. A tree grows from beneath, and then upwards into the air. It does not start at the top and grow downwards. This aspect of trees serves as a model for us to emulate. Trees, in their own way, impart us the lesson of nature that if we seek to progress outwardly, we must first strengthen ourselves inwardly. We must begin from the base of our own selves before we can hope to build society anew