When I was walking around outside, completely broke, I stopped and started looking at a tree.  I had an “aha” moment around that time, and realized that that tree has many qualities of a person who experiences abundance in all areas of his/her life.  The cycle of a tree from birth to “death” is one of magnificence. I will share.

A tree is born
In the beginning a small tree, a sapling, needs nurturing.  It needs to be taken care of.  It needs help and can only give but a little value to the world.  Pretty soon that tree becomes deeply rooted in the earth and connected to the world. It doesn’t need as nearly as much nurturing as it did before, but its basic needs still must be met.

A tree is focused on growth
From day one, it seems the tree’s goal is to grow, because it knows that if it grows it’s ability to create value to it’s environment also grows.  The path of growth is interesting too.  The tree doesn’t just grow upwards.  Yes, the tree gets taller every year that passes, but the key is it grows outwards and upwards simultaneously.  It’s branches are like arms reaching out to its environment.

A tree gives
It doesn’t ask how can it get this brand new car or all this money.  It stands in offering and just gives. It trusts that the universe will take care of everything it needs if it just focuses on what it can give, not what it can get. It gives shelter to birds and insects.  It gives shade and protection from the suns rays to that which is underneath it.  It bears fruit so that we may eat from it.   It gives us oxygen to breathe and trusts that we will give it carbon dioxide back and the rain will come and quench its thirst.  Even in the midst of adversity, when it sees someone in the distance ready to cut it down, it doesn’t complain.  It doesn’t blame.  It just sees more opportunity to give and becomes the paper that is used for the book that saves lives.  It becomes the wood to light the fire of a happy home.  It’s the pencil that’s used to write a song that inspires the world.

A tree is still and present
A tree doesn’t have anger, regret, or sorrow over the past.  It also doesn’t have anxiety and fear of the future. If it’s not dwelling on the past or worried about the future, what’s left? Now is left.  It enjoys and celebrates Now.

What you take from this is up to you, but I would challenge you to take a closer look at nature.  I think we all could learn some things if we haven’t already.

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