The most unusual tree
Exploring your inner self in unconventional ways can lead to self-discovery and a deeper understanding to find of your purpose.
Just take a moment to look at this tree and reflect on how this tree has survived and endured natures harsh conditions!
For those who would like to go see the tree, its located on a island of Socotra, Yemen.
That tree has probably has had to sustain many long cold nights living on the edge!
It has managed to survive with minimal soil around it’s base to support its trunk, that could also retain water to nourish itself during those long hot summer months.
There are no companion trees nearby to support and shield it from the harsh windy conditions faced year long around.
The tree has had to survive on limited water due to its location on the cliff edge. All the water has to be stored in its tree trunk, increasing the downward pressure on its foundation - the cliff edge!
And despite these challenges the tree has grown with multiple wonderful sturdy branches with healthy lush green leaves that stretch upwards reaching new heights only visible from on top of the cliff. Having reach the peak of it now has the view of landscape around it.
It is amazing how nature, surprisingly to most of us, survives and adapts to any situation it is dealt with and thrives to reach heights that are beyond our imagination. The growth is typically driven by a powerful desire to survive.
Now, imagine you are that unusual tree, that had survive, live, eat on that cliff edge, endure the harsh winds all alone, and have limited water in an uncomfortable position for the remainder of your time.
Being the unusual tree on that cliff edge
The first stage is always the desire to survive!
Human survival instinct revolves around meeting basic needs such as food, water and shelter. Similar to the tree during its early infancy stage, it would have had to contend all the conditions mentioned above, focusing on addressing its immediate needs to survive.
Typically for most of us, once we pass the survival stage we strive for significance.
This is stage where we have established a stable base, like the tree firmly rooted to the cliff edge, we become more focused on reaching new heights. With our position secure, we begin to branch and extend into new areas, exploring, trying new things, and fulfilling our desires. This is the stage where progressing to the next stage is hardest, due to our endless desires and aim of getting ahead in life.
The third stage is, self-actualisation.
As we continue trying to achieve new heights of significance, we forget our roots and where there have been planted.
We forget what signifies our purpose.
Progressing and achieving self-actualisation can be challenging, though this is a crucial stage that will separate you, as you start delving and exploring into your purpose in life. Through this deep reflection stage, figuring out your values, passions, strengths, weaknesses will cultivate mindfulness through a self-reflective feedback loop. If pursued diligently, this process can help you reach your full potential and unlock unlimited growth.
Self-actualised people do not seek significance. Instead, their intrinsic motivation provides them with boundless willpower that fuels their pursuit of their identified purpose.
All doubt, despair and fear become insignificant, once the intention of life is the pursuit of happiness through purpose.
Coming back to the tree, if you observe closely, in the image there is surrounding plants nearby. At some stage the tree has internally self-actualised that to sustain itself and the surrounding nature it cannot grow any larger. It provides protection from harsh winds with its sturdy frame and branches, supports smaller plants, and offers shade during the hot summer months. It's remarkable how nature self-actualizes, enabling the tree to help other species around it thrive.
Becoming significant, becomes insignificant.
“When the only tool you have is a hammer, it is tempting to treat everything as if it were a nail” - Abraham Maslow
A simple summary to the MinDvesting philosophy from todays post:
The first step toward self-actualization is to gain a deep understanding of yourself. This begins with daily self-reflection, specifically by asking yourself the question: "What is my purpose?" Spending just five minutes contemplating this question internally can guide you toward discovering your true purpose.
Being an unconventional individual often paves the way to success through each stage—from survival to significance, and ultimately to self-actualization. Although each stage presents its own challenges, diligent practice makes even the most difficult goals achievable.
If we can imagine the vast universe within our minds with our eyes closed, despite its physical confines of only 6-8 inches wide, the possibilities are truly limitless.
Remember the limiting factor in all of the above is only the MinD.
If you liked reading this article and gave you inspiration towards self-actualisation, please share it with your network and subscribe.
Nice!