#NotesofCare

There are two neem trees in our compound. One stands far near the gate and boundary wall. It gets water when it rains and no other nutrients except its own mulch which happens naturally with its own leaves and the rain water. Every few months it is trimmed to prevent its branches from getting too unwieldy and heavy. And in the summer, we sit under it sometimes to enjoy its cool shade and quiet.?

The other neem tree stands in the middle of our garden, surrounded by lawns and flowers. As the garden gets watered every day, it gets water regularly. The plants around it seem to be its friends. During parties we hang lights on it. It looks pretty and everyone says it’s a lovely tree.

Interestingly, during fall season, the one near the gate sheds its leaves really quickly and stands bare and almost skeletal. It looks like it is dead except that we know come spring, it will begin to sprout little green leaves and very soon be thick with green and continue to provide shade to all those who need it.

Our garden tree sheds very differently. It sheds reluctantly, in little bits over almost two months. we get tired of sweeping up the leaves everyday and ask it why it cant be more like its brother who is a no fuss tree and makes it so easy to manage.

The tree silently tells us, "I’m not used to such hardship. I am being watered in the garden, I have everyone’s attention all the time. I feel confused. Should l shed and look bare or should I look green and pretty. In this confusion, it takes me a long time to let go of my beautiful cover. It may be a hassle for you to sweep up my shedding for so long, but it’s you who are responsible for my state of being."

Both trees make me realise something important. About how sometimes too much love and well-meaning coddling can sometimes be a barrier in someone else's growth and purpose. How important is it to allow some challenge to help create a strong being, capable, confident being who can deal with the change of seasons and emerge strong and flourish.

Both trees gave me a lot of food for thought. What did you take away from these observations. I am still finding lessons in this and would love to hear your perspectives.

?#NotesofCare #tcscares #dandelionstalk #mentalhealthmatters #lessonsfromnature