As simple as a tree

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by what you believe are the complexities of life?  Who hasn’t?  My solution is to simplify.

Simplify my thinking and simplify my life. 

  

While life may seem complex, the complexity is generally

 self imposed and it all starts with a thought.  

 Turning to nature helps me sort out these alleged complexities.  Look at a tree.  A tree has hundreds, sometimes thousands of leaves, a root system that rivals the architecture of the Sydney Opera House, not to mention all the other systems that exist within its physical body. 

 Each part of the tree has a purpose in the life of the tree, and not only effects the inner workings of the tree itself, but also in other living things around it—not totally unlike each of us and how we effect the lives of everyone around us.  On a very simple level, a tree is there for us to enjoy, but part of it functions to clean the air that we breathe and helps to create a balance in our eco-system.  There is no question trees play important roles in our daily lives, just as we are important to others in our daily lives. Yet, how often do we consider the truth of this?  Instead, we simply accept it. 

  

Now, what if we applied that same behavior of acceptance to the way in which we live and think about ourselves?  What if we simply embraced the fact that we all have a purpose in life, have intrinsic value, and embraced all life has to offer?  The next time you look at a tree remind yourself that scientifically the tree represents a complex living thing, just as our bodies are scientifically complex living things. . . but there is also simplicity at it’s very best.  There is a big difference between us and trees, however. 

We have the ability to think.  Remember, everything starts with a thought.  What’s more simple than taking a minute out of your day to enjoy the beauty of a tree . . . to sit in the shade of a tree on a hot summer day and embrace the beauty of the life in which we move and live, to be granted the thrill of the vibrant colors that accompany the changing seasons, to be reminded of life reborn when buds on trees appear in the early spring. 

 We have the ability to be “re-born” every day of our lives if we choose to clear our minds of all the clutter and seeming complexities of life.  Find your purpose by approaching life with simplicity.  You could be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

--Kate Morgan for Unity of Charlotte