This tree is of red fig tree, botanically known as “Ficus racemosa”, and in Urdu , Hindi popularly known as “Gullar”.

This tree, perhaps a result of pollination by the birds and bees, has grown large and tall filled with fruits of its labor, and its branches exuding abundance.

A generous tree, through which the fruits are shared with its visitors, that include a wide variety of birds and insects of all kinds, that also include an old chameleon, a single bumble bee , and a huge colony of ants and grasshoppers.

So,

When I encounter days, not too pleasant, in my life, and I’m enveloped in a host of complex emotions seeking my attention all at once, then in a matter of minutes, I slip into my old self, ruminating, feeling overwhelmed, filled with bitterness against all those who wronged me and also a lot towards my own self ,criticizing ,evaluating and trying ways to punish myself ,so that the errors are not repeated.

I also constantly get into my old habit of comparing my world to all other ,and finding infinite flaws with my life, this tree act as my anchor ,that helps me to stay present and tap into my inner wisdom.

Last month , one late afternoon, with a stressful and a chaotic mind, I stood up and took a path to my backyard, which I often do when I feel way too stressed,then I came across this tree, which I have not seen in a while.

At first glance, I was moved by the very look of it, and then soaking in the image, I stood there recalling my mindfulness technique, meditating on my present moment, and here’s what I ended up learning, in those mindful moments.

• The tree does not have a gardener tending to its needs, yet it has established itself firmly rooted, filled with abundance of branches laden with fruits, sometimes a single resolve is good enough for our growth

• The fruits are in abundance and available to all, there’s no boundaries built to safeguard the visitors only pick their share. We are never left empty if we give abundantly, each to its due!
• The tree early on has learnt that its growth is entirely dependent on its ability to push through the rocks beneath it for firm rooting, which in turn would assist the above branches to grow and fruits to bear. Foundation is the key.
• The tree has companionship of various other varieties of wild growth around it, and each giving enough space to the other for its growth, with the wisdom that each holds ,that , it was and still is “enough” for everyone.

If we really pay attention to, our teachers come in all kinds of experiences of life, everyone is our teacher, and there are infinite lessons to be learned, provided we stay open to what’s been taught.

(c) Mehnaz Amjad – 2017 -2023

About the Author ; Mehnaz Amjad, is a Coach and a Cognitive Behavior Practitioner

I’m on a mission to empower people with strategies and tools, they need to cope with difficult times & navigate through challenging circumstances.

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