Many lessons can be learned from the natural world. Take, for example,
trees. Trees are vital to much of the life on Earth. Forests cover almost one-third
of the land area. They help protect, sustain and improve our supplies of fresh
water. They purify the air and convert carbon dioxide, water, minerals, and sunlight
into nutrients and oxygen. Many plants, insects, and other organisms depend on
the shade, moisture, and leaf debris provided by trees. The environment provided
by trees supports a wide variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals.
What life lessons can we learn from trees? Here are seven:
- Be flexible. The trees that bend a little to the harmless breeze will later grow to withstand the wild wind. Similarly, if we maintain a degree of flexibility
in our attitudes and viewpoints, we will not be broken in any storm of criticism
or opposition.
- Value the little things. Leaves, though small, are vital to the life of a tree. Similarly, expressions of encouragement and appreciation, whether it be
by spoken word or in the form of a simple “Thank You” card can go
a long way to build the spirits of the receiver. If they are restrained, the motivation
of others to work with us and support common goals may die at the roots.
- Do not be intimidated by small beginnings. Mighty oaks do indeed grow from little acorns. Efforts, when enriched with strong motivation and determination,
will grow to fruition. Remember that the mighty oak tree was once a little nut
that held its ground.
- Don’t be afraid of change. An acorn is unafraid to destroy itself in growing into a tree. Invigorate your life by letting go of the past and pressing
forward to something new.
- Practice teamwork. In forests, individual trees support one another. Whereas even a giant sequoia growing by itself could be blown over, by interlocking its
roots with other trees around it, sequoias are able to stand as a grove against
any wind. How much support do you share with those around you? Teamwork achieves
much.
- Grow leadership. Trees provide an environment that supports the growth of other life forms, including saplings, small replicas of themselves. One leadership
characteristic is to provide an environment that empowers and enables others to
take on greater responsibility so that they, too, can develop into full-grown
leaders.
- Develop a value system. Trees have extensive root systems. Some trees, such as mesquites, grow taproots that are often larger than the trunk and extend down
into the ground hundreds of feet to reach vital sources of water. How extensive
is your root system? Is it solidly embedded in guiding principles? PE
