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I pass an apple tree on my walks around town. It is January. There has been frost many nights this season. Yet, still, several apples cling to the branches of this tree. I'm consistently amazed. It makes me think. I saw many of the other apples on that same tree fall to the ground during harvest season. They were raked up and tossed. I continue to expect these dozen or so to fall at any time. They don't. What makes them so special?
Why are some beings driven to hang in there for the long haul while others drop off? What makes them so special?
A walking meditation.
January 18th, 2008
Why are some beings driven to hang in there for the long haul while others drop off? What makes them so special?
A walking meditation.
January 18th, 2008
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That day, as I passed, the owner of the house was out there trimming the other apple tree in the yard. The one without clinging fruit. I voiced my thoughts to him and we had a bit of discourse. After we said our "good day"s, I was inspired to grab my journal and write. Since the tree is really only a block and a major intersection from my house, I had limited time to write, even counting my slowed pace and resulting poor penmanship. *smirk* I just jotted down the circumstance and the thought-provoking question. I thought to elaborate more in LJ, but I felt I should just dangle the question.
The answers are vast. I'm sure there is a simple, scientific answer for the apples and for humans in some cases. Yet, I prefer to ponder on the underlying motivation, which is likely not so significant for the apples as the humans.
One possibility that gripped me as suitable for both situations was a sense of assistance. Some people stay in there simply out of a strong sense of duty to help others. I (hypothetically) may be in pain, yet I will still rise each day to feed my family or do my job. Why? Because I know my efforts benefit others. Though I may barely be able to manage my own pain, I know that my efforts to provide will assist others to thrive. If they thrive, it is better for my own survival. Likewise, those apples that cling to the tree and aren't swept into compost or trash become continuous fodder for birds, squirrels and insects throughout the season.
Just me thinking. *smiles*