One of the most profound spiritual teachers in life is Nature itself. It can teach us a great deal about the midlife transition. Being in nature can bring calmness and centeredness and a relaxation found no where else. But nature can be an amazing mirror, inspiring and teaching us. When you learn to look closely, you’ll recognize that the patterns in our lives mimic the patterns of the natural world. This similarity can be found by studying atoms, or looking at plants. It can especially be seen in animals and planets. The principles by which we live our lives is the same as the mountains, the clouds, the trees, and the winged creatures. There are many lessons to be learned from the natural world.
Take, for example, trees, which are vital to much of the life on earth. Forests cover almost one third of the our planet’s. They supply fresh water which helps protect, sustain and improve our lives. They purify the air by converting carbon dioxide, minerals, water, and sunlight into nutrients and oxygen. The ‘so called’ waste from the trees support many plants, insects, and other organisms by providing shade and moisture. And, a wide variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals are given a home.
There are many life lessons that those of us in midlife can learn from trees:
1. Be flexible.
When trees learn to bend with a slight breeze, they often grow to withstand higher winds. Similarly, as we move through what sometimes seems to be the crisis of midlife, being flexible in our attitudes and viewpoints can help us weather any storm. I love the attitude of ‘so what’ that I’ve learned to experience in life.
2. Value the little things.
Even though they can be small, leaves are vital to the life of a tree. We cannot get through life and be truly healthy, without the little signs expressions of encouragement and appreciation. If you haven’t yet developed the habit, start today to find people to say “Thank You” to. When you live in an attitude of gratitude about the little things in life, life gives you more to be grateful for.
3. Do not be afraid to start small.
Mighty oaks have grown from little acorns. I have found that many people in midlife can get impatient. They want to see how the story ends! But, every little step takes us closer to our goals.
4. Do not be afraid of change.
Even in Florida where I now live, nature has its seasons. The lawn may look dead in winter, but it comes alive again once spring is here. To reinvent yourself, you often have to let things past be past in order for the newness to emerge.
5. Allow Yourself to Be Supported.
In forests, individual trees support one another. I once heard that even the giant Sequoia growing by itself could be blown over – but, it learns to interlock its roots with other trees and can thus stand as a grove against any wind. How much do you allow those around you to support you? In Midlife, we often think we should have it together and not need support. It’s one of the worse mistakes you can make.
6. Be the Giver.
Trees often provide an environment that supports the growth of many other life forms. Psychologists tell us that as we age, it is natural to become more generative. This is the time to GIVE more than ever. I have found that people in midlife have a deep desire to make a difference and to find ways to give.
7. Get Clear On Your Values.
Trees have extensive root systems. Some trees even grow taproots that are often larger than the trunk and that can extend down into the ground hundreds of feet. When we are at a transition point, such as midlife, it is vitally important to have a clear understanding of the principles and values that guide our life decisions. Do you know yours?
Joyce Kilmer once put it well (“I think that I shall never see (A poem lovely as a tree.”)) Trees have a lot to teach us about ourselves and the transition we call midlife.
