Guidance from a Resilient Bonsai: Life Lessons and Tips for Gardeners and Beyond
A Glimpse into the Past, a Bonsai Tree, and a Tearful Encounter
Reminiscing about a half-century back, I found myself sauntering through a vibrant, upmarket beach town market. Local artisans showcased their creations at an array of colorful booths. The warm, refreshing sea breeze made the sunny afternoon simply delightful.
Struck by serendipity, I stumbled upon a captivating display - neat rows of diminutive Bonsai trees, each perched in a small, ancient-looking pot. I had heard of these living miniatures before, but this was my first sighting of a living specimen. Overwhelmed by curiosity and a delectable sense of discovery, I was enamored.
The first tree that caught my eye was a diminutive pine, standing less than two feet tall yet appearing to be over a century old! Its weathered trunk seemed to radiate a silent story of a solitary life lived alone on a steep sea cliff, battling unforgiving winds. This sight conjured within me a powerful emotion so profound, it left me in tears, even amidst a bustling public space.
Why, you may wonder, did I feel such a strong emotional response to a mere Bonsai tree?
Taking a closer look at my reaction, I started to see parallels with other moments in life where I was moved by external stimuli, yet felt they tapped into an essential part of myself. When we gaze upon the vast night sky, feel joy at the sight of a newborn child, or reflect upon cherished memories, we experience a deeper recognition within ourselves – a self-awareness that highlights aspects of our consciousness we might otherwise overlook.
In essence, any experience that makes an impression upon our soul reveals something profound about ourselves. The emotional charge we feel when interacting with the world around us is not merely an external reaction; it is an inner resonance that speaks volumes about the essence of our being.
In light of this understanding, I recognize that the emotional connection I felt with that Bonsai tree was far from accidental or inexplicable. It was a timeless, invisible force that bound our souls together, sharing a message that echoed within the depths of my heart.
That encounter with a Bonsai tree taught me an invaluable lesson about the interconnectedness of all things, and the enduring power of introspection and self-awareness. Although I cannot fully grasp the wisdom of that moment, I am grateful for the reminder that everything I encounter in this life reflects an indelible part of my own consciousness – a truth that sets me free.
Guy Finley, a poet of the soul with over forty best-selling books on self-realization, is the eloquent voice behind this profound reflection. Delve into his profound insights at www.guyfinley.org, where you might find a deeper understanding of the beauty and mystery of life.
**Adapted from The Secret of Your Immortal Self, by Guy Finley, 2015, Llewellyn Publications.**
*Guy Finley is revered for his penetrating insights on self-realization and spiritual growth. He is the founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation, a haven for self-study located in southern Oregon, where he imparts wisdom four times a week.*
In the realm of self-awareness, the encounter with a Bonsai tree served as a mirror to my ego, reflecting an aspect of myself that I had not recognized before. This emotional connection, a testament to the interconnectedness of all things, underscores the essential nature of home-and-garden activities such as gardening, as they too can foster self-discovery and consciousness. By cultivating our inner gardener, we may unearth hidden truths within ourselves, tending to our souls and nurturing growth in our lifestyle.
