Tending to Roots

​Nature is incredible isn’t it. It’s ability to adapt and change within external forces, regenerating and establishing new roots in some really harsh conditions in the world; it always finds a way to break through somehow.
Seeing as we are connected to and part of nature, it’s no surprise that we, as humans, are also able to adapt, regenerate and renew.  Even if on the surface things look rotten or stagnant, underneath there are the roots; that in the right conditions and with the right attention can start to look healthy, grow and thrive. 
I brought a foxglove recently to plant in the garden. The lady explained to me that in order for the flowers to keep regenerating throughout the summer, I would need to take off the dead flowers and keep cutting it back. She said that by doing this all the energy goes to the roots rather than on the leaves and flowers and it’s in the focussing of energy on the roots that the plant is able to stay healthy and keep blooming. 
This made me think how relevant this is to ourselves.  If our energy is spent on surface level stuff, such as how we look, what we wear etc, looking externally for happiness, then those things will be a temporary pleasure rather than sustainable in keeping us healthy and well.  Alternatively, if we focus and use our energy on the root causes, such as our health and nutrition, finding ways and seeking help in dealing with unresolved trauma, emotional difficulties, things that are preventing us from inner peace and happiness within, then ultimately we begin to nurture and heal, allowing us to grow, blossom and be more healthy and balanced. 
The biggest transformation starts to happen when you start investing in tending to these roots,  you begin to feel a shift taking place. Sometimes it’s very subtle, or it can be explosive, like a complete break through the surface; you start to sense coming out of the dark into the light; it can feel like waking up from a very long sleep.
Whatever healthy remedy is needed to tend to these roots, such as therapy, healing, nutrition, meditation, spiritual connection, connecting with nature; it will undoubtedly be the best investment you make in being able to sustain a much more balanced and fulfilling life.  Not only will it help improve your general physical and mental health, but more importantly,  it opens up a connection to self, to the heart of who you are.  Knowing who you are leads to acceptance, understanding and increases your value and self worth.  
So next time you are in the garden and tending to your flowers and plants, give a thought to the whole of that plant and think about what makes those flowers look so beautiful; all the work and energy that goes on under the surface that you can't see.  The roots.