I love being in nature. One of my favourite ways to unwind is going for a woodland walk, sometimes with a quiet mind, sometimes with my own inner dialogue and sometimes with friends or my partner having completely random conversations, but while we walk and chat our way through the woods, we may not be only the ones communicating – did you know that trees and plants also communicate with each other?
They are able to do this via a network of fungi which grows on their roots to create a support system that allows them to share resources and send out warnings. These networks are called Mycorrhizal networks. A tree or plant that is being attacked by insects can send a warning to other trees and plants. A tall tree that gets plenty of sunlight can send vital nutrients to shaded trees and saplings. By sharing valuable information about threats and also sharing nutrients they can grow strong together. Alone they are much more vulnerable but together they can grow, thrive, withstand and overcome issues.
The same can be said for us. Whether we choose to live alone or with others, whether we prefer spending time alone or with others, by our very nature we are not designed to live completely separated from each other. Together we can use our different strengths and abilities to support each other and build each other up.
In a work environment it is now common place to use psychometric testing to recruit employees, the idea being that employers get the person with the right personality and skills to compliment the team so each team has a variety of people with a variety of strengths. A team full of ‘ideas’ people is great but not much good without those with practical skills to put the ideas into action.
Each of us has our own strengths and weaknesses, alone we may be able to get by but how much better can we do when we live and work together? A chef has the ability to cook amazing food but not necessarily the skill to grow and harvest the ingredients. A builder may be able to construct a ship but not necessarily have the ability to sail it.
Tribal communities, often living in harmony with nature and in rural settings are able to do so as they work together within their community. They would probably not survive long as individuals.
So, whether you have family, friends, neighbours or form part of a tribe or comm-unity, let’s strive to look out for each other, provide support for each other when needed and help build each other up.
Just as trees stand tall and strong in the forest, let’s build strong and healthy relationships and communities so we can stand tall, not just surviving but instead thriving.
United we stand, together in unity.
Tania – Journey to Unity
Journey to Unity 