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Spiritual Roots<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n by Grant Bright<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cLook deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.\u201d ~Albert Einstein<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n There are many lessons to be learned from the natural world. Take, for example, trees. According to the book “The Trees Around Us”, trees are vital to much of the life on earth. Forests cover almost one third of the land area of our planet. They help protect, sustain and improve mankind’s supplies of fresh water. They purify the air and convert carbon dioxide, water, minerals and sunlight into nutrients and oxygen. Many plants, insects, fungi, worms and other organisms are dependent upon the shade, moisture and leaf debris provided by trees. Additionally, the environment provided by trees supports a wide variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals.<\/font><\/p>\n What life lessons can we, as humans, learn from trees?<\/font><\/p>\n 1. Be flexible.<\/strong> The trees that bend a little to the harmless breeze will later grow to withstand the wild wind. Similarly, if we maintain a degree of flexibility in our attitudes and viewpoints we will not be broken in any storm of criticism or opposition.<\/font><\/p>\n 2. Value the little things.<\/strong> Leaves, though they can be small, are vital to the life of a tree. Similarly, expressions of encouragement and appreciation, whether it be by spoken word or in the form of a simple “Thank You” card can go a long way to build the spirits of the receiver. If they are wholly restrained, the motivation of others to work with us and support common goals may die at the roots.<\/font><\/p>\n 3. Do not be intimidated by small beginnings.<\/strong> Mighty oaks do indeed grow from little acorns. Efforts, when enriched with strong motivation and determination, will grow to fruition. Remember that the mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground.<\/font><\/p>\n 4. Do not be afraid of change.<\/strong> As David Zindell observed in “The Broken God”, an acorn is unafraid to destroy itself in growing into a tree. Invigorate your life by letting go of the past and pressing forward to something new.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n 5. Practice teamwork.<\/strong> In forests, individual trees support one another. Whereas even a giant Sequoia growing by itself could be blown over, by interlocking its roots with other trees around it, Sequoias are able to stand as a grove against any wind. How much support do you share with those around you? Teamwork can accomplish much more than the sum of individual efforts, often making the difference between success and failure.<\/font><\/p>\n 6. Grow leadership. As noted above, trees provide an environment that supports the growth of many other life forms, including saplings, small replicas of itself. An important leadership characteristic is to provide an environment that empowers and enables others to take on greater responsibility so that they, too, can develop into full-grown leaders.<\/font><\/p>\n 7. Develop a value-system.<\/strong> Trees have extensive root systems. Some trees, such as mesquites, grow taproots that are often larger than the trunk and that can extend down into the ground hundreds of feet to reach vital sources of water. How extensive is your root system? Is it solidly embedded in principles and values that provide valuable guidance when life-decisions need to be made?<\/font> “I think that I shall never see<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n <\/em>A poem lovely as a tree.”<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n Additional learning points about trees:<\/strong><\/font><\/p>\n It’s important to have roots.<\/font><\/p>\n In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out.<\/font><\/p>\n Don’t pine away over old flames.<\/font><\/p>\n If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.<\/font><\/p>\n Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.<\/font><\/p>\n Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.<\/font><\/p>\n Grow where you’re planted.<\/font><\/p>\n It’s perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.<\/font><\/p>\n Avoid people who would like to cut you down.<\/font><\/p>\n You can’t hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.<\/font><\/p>\n Love & Light,<\/font><\/p>\n Angel Love<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n
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\nYes, as Joyce Kilmer expressed it:<\/font><\/p>\n
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