From Above and Below

Whether planted by a human being or disbursed by an animal or bird, seeds gravitate downward toward life-giving substances—water and elemental nutrients. The root of this dried Queen Anne’s Lace plant shows how it reached into the soil in a variety of directions, and we can estimate by the size of the roots which of the “fingers” were more successful in finding those nutrients.

Rather than have one descending root, the evolutionary strategy of a plant or tree is to fan out many fingers, each of which develops a unique profile depending upon the “riches” that it finds. In this way each finger makes its own contribution to the growth and development of the whole, enabling it to rise where there’s even more life-enhancing substances—air and sunlight. So, nutrients from below combine with light and air above to promote growth, vitality and the ability to reproduce—actions that continue the species and provide higher species—birds and mammals—the nutrients they need to survive, grow and reproduce.

Of course, there’s much more science involved. But from the point of view of this general reflection on the seed-to-plant process evoked by this little root, some key dynamics stand out in relation to my own process of seeking life-giving substances. And they evoke some self-assessment questions.

For instance, to whom, what and where am I reaching out to find and secure the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual substances that contribute to my growth and development? Am I choosing real substance, or am I substituting artificial or imitation goods and experiences that, while satisfying or entertaining, don’t contribute to my growth? Some of these include drinking beverages loaded with sugar or caffeine, overeating fast foods, eating processed rather than organic foods, engaging in mundane absorptions like mindless television viewing or spending an inordinate amount of time with electronic devices rather than reading, studying, working, exploring nature or engaging with others. I know, “easier said than done.”

And then there’s the social questions. Am I associating with people who bring me down or lift me up? And what of the content of my conversations—on the phone or face-to-face? Do I spend much time with gossip or trivialities, as opposed to meaningful or uplifting exchanges of information, ideas and experiences? While it’s easy and can be enjoyable to indulge our base tendencies, we also have a built-in hunger for substance, nutritional input and engagement. (Here again, the caveat: “easier…”).

Our “fingers” yearn for the energies and elements that nourish body, mind and soul. But are we engaging them? What are they contributing to our lives? And what is taking shape—in me and in the world—as a result? While the soul reaches for enrichment, inspiration and fulfillment the many mental and physical stimuli in today’s world—some of them necessary—distract us so we only occasionally dip our roots beneath the surface or reach for the light of increased appreciation, understanding and awareness.

Aside from the satisfaction gained by going for substance rather than fluff, the best way I know to assess the growth of the whole person is to ask how much joy derives from our view of the universe and the choices we make. I’m not speaking of excitement or happiness, but the experience of feeling in the flow, attuned to and fulfilling our reason for being here.

And that provokes another assessment. Am I doing something every day, no matter how seemingly small or unproductive, that contributes to the realization of my purpose? And do I at least occasionally feel that I’m engaged in an activity where I lose track of time and well up with feelings of awe, gratitude or appreciation? Considering the analogy of a plant’s growth pattern, joy is the equivalent of basking in sunlight with occasional light rain. By seeking and taking in genuine substance, the stuff that feeds body, mind and soul, our reach expands and we become lighter.

Upon being asked who he was, Itzmat Ul responded, “I am the substance of heaven, the substance of the clouds.” 

Itzamat Ul was a deified Maya king of Izamal, Yucatan

 

Human beings are biological creatures who require meaning in their lives as much as the oxygen they breathe and the nutrients they put in their bodies.

James O’Dea, Former President of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Washington office director of Amnesty International, and CEO of the Seva Foundation.

Author, The Conscious Activist: Where Activism Meets Mysticism

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My other sites—

Love And Light greetings.com: A twice-weekly blog featuring wisdom quotes and perspectives in science and spirituality intended to inspire and empower

David L. Smith Photography Portfolio.com: Black and white and color photography

Ancient Maya Cultural Traits.com: Weekly blog featuring the traits that made this civilization unique