The True Nature of Growth
What does nature tell us about growing?
Think for a moment that you are a tree growing to the sky. You are surrounded by other trees of similar dimensions and traits, undoubtedly on a similar mission: to grow taller. Taller. Higher. Is that the only direction you must grow? It can’t be. As anyone who has passed elementary-level biology would be able to tell you, trees also grow downward via their root system. Interesting. Are there perceivable limits on how high a tree can grow upwards towards the sky while also needing to grow its roots deeper into the ground? Said differently, can we assume that if a tree is going to grow to the limits upwards it must also grow to its limits downwards? I love this thought. Is there a property, or a proportionality, to the tree’s ability to grow higher while simultaneously growing deeper? In nature, I believe the answer is clear: yes.
What I love about this articulation is it’s such a beautiful representation of how we define growth dimensionally in nature. Yet, all too often, as people we often define growth by the height of the tree without understanding the depths of its roots. We see someone with outward projections of growth - more money, nicer cars, bigger houses - and begin to make assumptions. You see, as people, our “root system” is trapped in the metaphysical—the unquantifiable, immeasurable, invisible, and subterranean pillars of life. They can not be seen. They can not be measured. Yet, they exist. Fascinating. Our human roots exist in, and from, our relationship with people, places, and things. Our connection to our community - friends, family, businesses, gyms, and churches - establishes the depths of our roots. Connectedness is the key.
The relationship we build with the environment we choose to establish our growth in sets the limits and constraints unto which we can grow. I will say that again without trying to sound smarter than I actually am - your environment sets the limits on your growth BUT (and a big but) you have a choice. As a free-thinking, sentient being you can actually choose the environment you decide to grow in. In fact, in today’s world, you can move around, build virtual relationships, find the right physical environment for yourself, plant some roots, and start growing downwards SO THAT (when the time comes) you can proportionately grow upwards into the strong, resilient tree you were destined to become.
I am writing this article after a sauna conversation I had with a buddy. He said to me, “sometimes you need to replant a dying plant in a new flower pot and watch it regrow”, and something about that resonated with me. It felt like something worth sharing. So, with all of that said, good luck with the start of your week, and ask yourself these two questions:
Where do I directionally need to be focusing my growth? Outwards? Inwards? Both?
Am I planted in the right garden? Do I have what I need to grow into the person I want to become? Are these the right people, communities, and conditions for me to truly thrive?
Final thought: we tend to forget the conversation our environment is having with us AT ALL TIMES. Try to focus your attention on this important relationship this week. Get more sun, get outside, go have some good conversations, and breath in some fresh air.
Final, final thought: we aren’t all that dissimilar to plants. Find good soil, water regularly, give sunlight, and watch it (you) grow.
Have a fantastic start to your week and stay awesome, Meat Mafia!
Clemenza