Stumps/Wastrees
For the last hundred years or so these monolithic stumps have basked in the light that their foliage used to block out. That ray of light that shines in the canopy from the loss of such a large shade leads to enhanced growth for the vegetation that happened to germinate in that area. A flourish of bright green in forest of otherwise dark hues.
We fight to keep the status quo. Change is the enemy. That’s not the natural way or at least how nature does it. Nature always seems to just keep on keeping on and making the most of the opportunities and resources presented. The smaller trees no longer receive shelter from the coastal winds. They have to strengthen instead of topple. They have to be more flexible, also, to keep from breaking in the gusts. The adaption has begun.
The ground cover goes from decomposed pine needles and branches to moss, lichen and leafy vegetation. The dormant nutrients can now provide, they are a resource and no longer a byproduct and/or waste. Seeds are finally starting their growth process. They’ve always had purpose but had not been presented an opportunity to use it.
As we wander the world of life we can miss nature’s guidance. Nature insists this is the way, we do not care. Not forceful but with a strong silent resolve that this will be the way. Focus on the negativity of the bad action that happened that was out of your control and you miss the opportunity to embrace the changes. Nature doesn’t pause for reflection.
The process might appear to be slow or unmoving but imperceptible changes are happening at a rapid pace. Photosynthesis is accruing for the first time as a result of this newly directed first sunlight. Embracing. Adapting. Doing this in cooperation with all the other newly awakened sunlight recipients. Community building together.
Upon tragedy one of the first statements of reassurance reflects on that community building. How the community jumped to action to right the wrong. They worked together like a well oiled machine to address that tragedy. We look for a natural sign to signify that everything will be okay. When the learned behavior takes a backseat to natural instincts we are put to ease as a community. What does that tell us about learned behavior?
In the face of our toughest moments we find that comparing our actions with those ants, bees or other colony beings to be the highest of complements. Nature is in the art of reaction not the script. With the abstract and higher order thinking that we see as the defining between man and beast why are we so mesmerized by the acts of nature? Why are we conditioned to embrace moments of natural instincts at such a high level?
Everything has its time. The tree blocking your sun will not be there forever. Will you fluidly move to optimize the change? Will you mourn the loss of the tree and miss your opportunity to thrive in the new environment. Will you respect the sacrifice of the tree and use that as your motivation not to waste it?
