A Forest of One

I ride the bus to and from work and I always try to look at things and write as I ride. This is one such trip.

On my way home from work the other day, I noticed a single tree growing in this rather large patch of undeveloped land. It was surrounded by a few small, dried up bushes; some rocks, and a lot of sand (after-all this is a desert region). It wasn’t a particularly big tree, but from it’s size, I’d say it had been there a long time. Still I thought to myself, I wonder how many people have noticed it there? I tried to imagine the determination and will to survive it must have endured to get it to where it is today. I thought of the significance of this tree in a place where anything else found it difficult to grow, much less survive all this time.
A lot of people think of forests as just peaceful and beautiful places to visit, walk, and contemplate life. They don’t realize all the drama that takes place there. The spirit to begin life under sometimes difficult circumstances, to grow, survive, and literally fight for it’s place on this earth; much like us humans. The difference though, is a forest does it merely by co-existing with whatever else is in the forest. It seems almost effortless, yet very spiritual. The spirit of the forest is what guides it to whatever end it finally comes to. A constant spirit that dictates what will live, what will die, and never once sacrificing the beauty within or without.
Yet, here is a single tree, a forest of one, defiantly going about its’ life. Growing as if it were surrounded and supported by many of its’ own kind. A testimonial to survival in this harsh world and a determination to let its’ beauty blossom. I am truly in awe of its’ existence, thinking how weak we must all appear to it. I’m also thinking how long could any of us humans survive, given the same circumstances, receiving only the things given to it by such an unforgiving environment.
The human race could learn a lot from nature, and trees in particular, if they only took the time to really see it for what it is �" beautiful, enduring, and constantly evolving, not only for its’ own benefit, but for the planet as a whole. So next time you’re thinking about doing something and think , what can one person do, remember that tree in the desert, that forest of one. Plant yourself firmly, grow, endure, and never give up. Become who you were meant to be and live your life on your terms, no matter the obstacles or circumstances. The forest of one could be you, an everlasting example to others about life, beauty, and a never-ending spirit.

Reviews

[Cherrie Palmer]

..The forest of one could be you, an everlasting example to others about life, beauty, and a never-ending spirit...

very nice, this is uplifting and a strong call to dare.

[J. J. Nightingale]

A wonderful and uplifting story or courage .. The tree, and it's beauty and never ending spirit ..

Thank you for your words of wisdom .. Jasmine