Be Grounded Like the Roots of a Tree
By Lisa Templeton
Published in April 2020 Luminous Wisdom: Sibella Magazine
Trees can be considered among the most amazing lifeforms on the planet and there is so much they have to teach us. They root into the earth receiving nutrients from the soil, building fortitude, and readily utilizing their resources. There is an incredible amount of strength in rooting into the earth. The roots of each tree not only utilizes this strength to stabilize the tree, but even communicates with other trees with use of this grounding.
Nearby trees are more connected than one might think. When rooted down into the earth, their roots find each other and offer sustenance and support to all those who need it. They will alert each other through their roots when any dangers are near and will give water to another in need. A deeply rooted tree is resilient and strong enough to endure difficult storms and swirling winds. With roots firmly grounded, flexibility is much more easily attained so that the tree bends and shifts as needed and is far less likely to break.
When we work to be grounded like the roots of a tree, we learn three significance lessons. First, grounding into ourselves and rooting down into our thoughts and emotions helps us know who we are. When we listen to our own inner patterns with compassion and curiosity, we gain inner knowledge and can more easily root.
Second, when we are grounded in our roots, we can more readily feel the connection of others. We are connected to ourselves, each other, and everything around us. Through these roots, we find support from those around us who uplift.
Lastly, when we are firmly grounded, we can be more flexible. Given the stressors in life and all the storms that come, we must be able to flow with the tide. When we are rooted deeply down within ourselves, we are less rigid and we can more easily bend to uncomfortable and difficult aspects of life.
So how do we ground like the roots of a tree? We must slow down and live in the moment. Engage your senses and notice all that is around you. Practice exercises such as breathing, mindful awareness, and expanding loving thought patterns. Notice your feet on the ground at this moment. Do you feel the energy moving down, as well as the energy traveling up your feet from the earth in this moment? Stay attuned to observing the moment in order to feel grounded.
Be careful not to fall into false grounding patterns, such as excessive drinking, eating, or watching TV. These behaviors suggest an appearance of grounding in the moment, but they do not offer solid footing for movement and continued growth in one’s life. The moderate path of self-care is a great tool for grounding and can be useful for feeling our roots. When we root down into ourselves with loving kindness, as the trees teach us, we gain more flexibility, self-knowledge, and connection to each other.