Recently a friend shared a very interesting fact about redwood forests. The redwood and sequoia trees are the largest trees and some of them live for hundreds or even thousands of years, and yet very interestingly, they do not have deep roots. One may wonder that without deep roots, how do these trees keep standing, enduring windstorms and forces of nature for centuries? The secret lies in the underground system in the forest; the roots reach outwards, seeking the roots of other redwood trees, and when they meet, they intertwine, forming a permanent bond with each other. In this way, all the redwood trees in the forest are either directly or indirectly supporting each other.
When others reach out to us for help and support, not only are we helping them, but they too are helping build our bonds in life, helping us weather storms that will come in our life. People strengthen us when they reach out.
No matter how good we are as individuals, our real power gets unleashed when we drop our arrogance, and with love and humility connect with others, giving and drawing power from the combined bond. Reaching out helps us drop our ego and appreciate the value of others in our life.
Our purpose in life is not just to grow tall and strong, but to support others in their journey as well. A competitive mindset may make us a strong tree, but a collaborative mindset will make us part of a forest. I recall when our competitor reached out for raw material during the pandemic, which we shipped out, helping him keep his factory running to take care of the workers. We too reach out to competitors to buy from them what they make better than we do. Reaching out creates a healthy and happy win-win environment for the next generation.
The essence of life is in our willingness and ability to support and care for each other. It does not take away from exhibiting brilliance, achieving great heights and being highly successful. It adds the joy of seeing others prosper as well.
The problems of the world may overwhelm us and as individuals, we may sometimes feel insignificant and helpless. It is true we cannot change things alone, but we need to recognise our role in building strong bonds with others in our life. Reaching out starts changing the world.
(Picture – Sequoia sempervirens, Vancouver botanical garden )
This is so true in life. Yes REACH out to everyone and everytime. Defintaely one strengthen one ROOT and base very string. In life it is necessary to take oath of Sone one to live by. This is the way one establish strong relationship.