How I learned to handle stress from a Palm Tree

I've always wondered how the Palm Tree sways so dramatically in the most extreme weather situations and yet, still remains upright, confident, and unbroken? I've seen so many videos where these top-heavy creatures bend and twist like slender blades of grass amidst a hurricane or gale-force winds, but yet come out unharmed, strong and full of life.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately within the context of this current crisis. We, as humans, react to extreme situations in varying ways - anger, frustration, resentment, depression, disillusion, positivity, advancement, and just about everything else in between. I know how most animals process cortisol, the "stress hormone," (stay tuned for more posts about that!) but let's first look into the ancient wisdom of our mother...Mother Nature.

First, unlike most trees that can match their strength, the roots of the Palm stay shallow, within the top 3' of the soil where the water and nutrients are plentiful and accessible. These intelligent Palms know what they need to do and where they need to be in order to stay well-fed, hydrated, healthy, and grounded. They also aren't embedding themselves so deeply that they cannot get out without a struggle or the potential of real damage to themselves or the world around them. 

Lesson - no one but you knows what you need to do and where you need to be in order to stay healthy and grounded. Trust your gut. Surrounded yourself with the people, places, and things that keep your mind, body, and spirit healthy and supported. And when you're not receiving the nutrients you need from someone or something, move on and grow in another direction.

Next, these majestic Palms stay firmly planted by relying on hundreds of very thin roots that grow outward, horizontally, for stabilization. Some species have roots that grow up to 50’ away from the trunk! They know not to rely on one deep root or one singular base to keep them safe and alive. This also helps them trap the nearby soil within their many tangled roots, making their anchors heavy, solid, and full.  They have used a combination of what is available to them in their environment along with what they need to survive to create their own flourishing future.

Lesson - Take control of your own growth and happiness and don't rely on external sources to keep you strong and grounded. Expand your horizon. Read from a source you normally wouldn't. Try a workout or hobby you've never tried before. Grow many many many more roots. The more sources of information you can draw from, the stronger you become.

Finally, the sheer design of the Palm leaves makes them virtually wind-resistant. Their gigantic leaves have a single flexible spine, like a feather. These adaptive creatures can open their canopy to soak in the sunlight, but can also fold upon themselves safely when they catch the wind or face danger. The Palm doesn't scream at the rain or wind, "How could you do this to me!" It doesn't push blame or direct its anger to the external sources. It doesn't give up and drop it's leaves when times get tough. The Palm just readjusts.

Lesson - You cannot control the outside world - you can only control your own actions, behaviors, and responses. More storms will come in life, that is for sure! You are one singular brilliant creature that is built to acclimate and thrive. It is how you react, and how you treat others, which will help you prepare for the next storm.

There is so much we can learn from Mother Nature. She has been around before any of us and will be here long after we have all passed on (fingers crossed). I know the next time I see a Palm Tree, I'm going to grab a hold of its trunk, give it a hug, and say thank you for reminding me how to weather life's storms.

This analogy above came from yet another powerful session with my brilliant business coach, Chris Wightwick. He is my Mr. Miyagi. www.themindkit.com.

energetic immunity