"Rocks
grow on trees?"By Bob Perks © 2001
Every week or so I buy a fresh bouquet of flowers for my wife. Ahhhhh.
What a great guy! Well I don't smoke or have any particular habits that
I need to waste money on so I decided I would put my money to good use
by bringing something of beauty to the one who brings beauty into my
world.
Just yesterday I stopped by the florist down the street from us and for
the very first time discovered the rock tree. No the tree does not grow
rocks. Although jokingly I told the florist I never knew until now
where rocks came from. I thought maybe "Boulder" Colorado.
You see, the approximately six foot tall tree had rocks hanging by
string on four branches. Each placed at four points as if to create
balance. In fact the woman told me that is exactly what it does,
creates balance. They read about it in a oriental horticulture book.
The tree planted there before died. They couldn't get one to root
there. The book said that by balancing the tree and weighting it down,
the tree would have a better chance of survival.
In recent months I have discovered articles and references to that same
principle as it applies to our lives. Often times the reason why we
fail at achieving our goals and dreams is that our lives are not
balanced properly. It's obvious when you consider the person who works
too much. Everything else including marriage and family life suffers.
Balance and success come about by giving the right value or importance
to all aspects of our lives. Work extra when necessary and play harder
during those times when the pressures of life begin to build. Learn to
say no to things that will disrupt the priorities you have set. But as
in goal setting write your plans in pencil. Adjust as life changes.
In my mind the four corners of a balanced , successful life are as
follows: Spiritual, family, personal and professional. They are in fact
in order of importance.
Just like the tree, when we learn to balance our lives our roots grow
stronger. We open ourselves to the nourishment that a balanced life
provides and the fruits of our efforts are abundant in all four areas.
Strong roots help us to stand tall against the most destructive storms.
© Bob Perks 2001