Years ago I remember learning that the giant, majestic redwood trees we all admire really have extremely shallow root systems. I was so surprised to think that a 350-foot-tall tree would have such shallow roots, often only five or six feet deep. Not much for that height, is it? How do they withstand high winds and floods?
Do you know what makes up for the shallow roots? Redwood tree roots extend far out from the trunk, and redwoods cluster together in thick groves. That means the roots intertwine; some even fuse together, thus giving these tall, enormous trees a strength they would not otherwise have.
The redwoods contain some lessons for us: We are stronger when we can share roots, as it were—when we group together and share the journey. We can help each other carry the burdens, and we can celebrate the blessings with each other, too.
The image of the redwoods brings to mind the saying, "Friendship divides our grief and doubles our joy." Yes. We don't have to walk this journey all alone. It's so much easier when our "roots intertwine" and we can share our strength. That's how we survive—and thrive!
Showing posts with label survive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label survive. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Beyond survival
I've heard it said that what it takes us to survive is far different from what it takes to live a healthy and happy life.
Mind you, survival is not to be taken lightly. It's a huge accomplishment. Life can contain so many hurtful and life-altering circumstances. It can take everything we have to survive some of them. But once we have survived the difficult or painful thing, we need to refocus our life to see what's needed to live in a truly life-giving and healthy way.
Do you see a difference? For example, if you've faced cancer and had to endure surgeries, radiation and/or chemotherapy, you've no doubt had to pull away from all your commitments and perhaps even some of your friendships in order to conserve your energy. You're pouring all your energy into healing.
Once you have healed and come out on the other side, you may be more selective about those activities and friendships you re-engage; but you will definitely not want to isolate. You will need the support and love of friendship groups. You needed them during your survival time, but I'm guessing you didn't have as much energy to give to them then. Now you can refocus and re-engage in a new way. The choices are yours.
Mind you, survival is not to be taken lightly. It's a huge accomplishment. Life can contain so many hurtful and life-altering circumstances. It can take everything we have to survive some of them. But once we have survived the difficult or painful thing, we need to refocus our life to see what's needed to live in a truly life-giving and healthy way.
Do you see a difference? For example, if you've faced cancer and had to endure surgeries, radiation and/or chemotherapy, you've no doubt had to pull away from all your commitments and perhaps even some of your friendships in order to conserve your energy. You're pouring all your energy into healing.
Once you have healed and come out on the other side, you may be more selective about those activities and friendships you re-engage; but you will definitely not want to isolate. You will need the support and love of friendship groups. You needed them during your survival time, but I'm guessing you didn't have as much energy to give to them then. Now you can refocus and re-engage in a new way. The choices are yours.
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