Life goes on but it is good to stop and think at times. Otherwise we run the risk of missing out on invaluable resources we already have.
Are we not like plants?
From the seed comes the root and from the seed comes the stem, if we talk about a plant. The seed feeds them both till they can live on their own and then it withers away. But not without giving its imprint on both the root and the stem. The root goes into the ground, unseen and unheard, but always in search of food and water to feed the stem that grows overground. The stem has a chance to be seen and admired by the world, the more beautiful and useful it can make itself, the better. It bears flowers and then fruits and then seeds again.
And life goes on….
The health and beauty of the stem depends to a large extent on the support it gets from its roots.
You know what I am driving at — I am speaking to the uprooted younger generation all over the world.
Our roots are who we are from within and our stem what the world sees us to be. The childhood stories we have enjoyed and which linger on in our memories, the encouragement and admonishments we have had as young kids, the good and the bad that have gone into making us, essentially the value systems we have grown up with — that is what I mean by our roots. Unless we care for our roots and make sure they are well nourished and protected, can you expect a healthy stem and all the lovely flowers and fruits that grow on it?
It is easy to forget the roots because they are unseen, no one talks about them and we get carried away by the beauty and glamour that surrounds our overground selves. It takes conscious effort on our part to tend to the roots, water them, protect them from damage and keep them healthy and thriving.
It also means weeding out the rotten in our roots, because not all is good everywhere.
Looking after the overground stem comes naturally, does not take much effort but to forget the roots is to leave the stem to the air and water and weather and insects and pests, both for good and for bad.
The myriad sensory and intellectual bombardments we are exposed to are the elements we need to be discerning about because they can potentially make or break us. This ability to discern comes to a large extent from our upbringing which I call our roots. The roots are fortunately not exposed to the elements as much as the stem is and therefore less vulnerable.
Remember the roots, look after them, keep them healthy, you are already looking after the stem. The tree will be stronger, the flowers will bloom more beautiful, the fruits will be lovelier and the seed will come out well prepared for life to go on!
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