Peeling Away the Layers-Daily OM Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed their bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and layer, then,at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don't allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can't expand to our full potential. Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen,and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting. Unlike a tree, we must conciously decide when it's time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don't disappear so much they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self-the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just "me". Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.
I think that trees provide many lessons about life for those who have eyes to see. I particularly love the reference in the movie, "Phenomenon" where John Travolta's character was irritated and frustrated learning to deal with his increased mental capacity after encountering a "light from the sky". He was able to completely soothe himself when he notices how trees sway in the wind. In fact, he says that he has "found his balance."
Peeling Away the Layers-Daily OM
ReplyDeleteTrees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed their bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and layer, then,at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don't allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can't expand to our full potential.
Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen,and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting.
Unlike a tree, we must conciously decide when it's time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don't disappear so much they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self-the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just "me". Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.
I think that trees provide many lessons about life for those who have eyes to see. I particularly love the reference in the movie, "Phenomenon" where John Travolta's character was irritated and frustrated learning to deal with his increased mental capacity after encountering a "light from the sky". He was able to completely soothe himself when he notices how trees sway in the wind. In fact, he says that he has "found his balance."
ReplyDeleteBrenda