Be Like a Tree

Aum Sairam

We all desire to evolve and attempt to make our lives better but we often fall short of our desires. In order to evolve, our first step should be to quit desiring. Desire is a manifestation of our craving, which we wish to accomplish some day and it further creates expectations from everyone in and around us including ourselves.

Our reaction to our expectations is usually in the form of anxiety, pain, stress, self-condemnation, accusation etc. But the question is why this does happen to us? It happens because we are weak and are surrounded by uncertainty. Our actions are small but our expectations are very high. We have got into the habit of reacting about everything irrespective of whether it concerns us or not and if at all it concerns us our reactions are totally self-centered. We have become so obsessed with ourselves that we have created a world of our ideas, thoughts, principles and procedures and anything that falls beyond it is considered to be wrong by us.

It may not seem like the perfect comparison, but when we compare ourselves with a tree, we find that we don't have to face even one per cent of the difficulties faced by a tree. Still, a tree always seems to be relaxed and calm. It does not oppose anything though it experiences everything. It doesn't have a home of its own but becomes home for so many living beings.

A tree always seems to be relaxed and calm. It does not oppose anything though it experiences everything.

A tree provides home and shelter for everyone without discriminating between animals and humans or between the stronger and the weaker and is thankful to others for giving it an opportunity to serve them. On the other hand, we humans fight over small pieces of land. And if we provide shelter to anyone we either charge rent or do not hesitate in mentioning the favor that we have bestowed on our fellow human beings.

A tree remains unaffected by strong winds, scorching heat, cold breeze,
rain etc as it stands still on its ground firmly facing the different
forms and forces of nature with indifference. On the other hand we
humans have all the reasons to complain about the heat, cold, changing
weather and other in hospitable conditions.

Allah Malik