en•vi•ron•ment
the complex factors (physical, chemical and biotic) that act upon an organism or ecological community and ultimately determine its form and survival
the aggregate of social and cultural conditions that influence the life of an individual or community
A few months ago I purchased the most glorious fiddle fig. Deep, dark and lucious leaves on every branch that almost hugged you when you walked by. As soon as I pulled in the driveway, I excitedly pushed a smaller, but steadily growing fiddle fig out the way and confidently placed the “new guy” in its place.
For a few weeks it seemed all was well. My new guy was green and glorious, getting “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone who walked in the door. The little guy had been relocated to another corner of the house and seemed to be doing fine.
On occassion, I’d happen to find a solitary leaf on the floor. I’d erupt, “who’s been messing with my plant?!” No one seemed to have answers. So I proceeded to feed and water it the same as the plant who previously held its place and assumed everything would be fine.
Then an “occassional leaf” became an “everyday leaf” and soon several times a day I’d see leaves on the ground. They were brown all over, weak at the stems, and no new leaves were budding. I tried my usual tricks, but the problem only worsened.
One day I walked by and the breeze from my stride knocked several leaves to the floor at once. What in the world was happening to my fiddle fig?!? I looked up at my once glorious tree and decided it was too far gone—and took it out to the curb.
Around 30 minutes later I returned to the curb to toss a few forgotten items before the collector came, and saw the abandoned tree was knocked over by the wind, and now lying on the sidewalk. My heart sank. The scene was pitiful. I wondered if there was still hope. It’s unlike me to give up on my plants and just throw them away. So, I decided we deserved another chance. I picked him up, dragged him to the back patio and gave him a once over.
Loosened the roots, plopped it in a new pot, added soil and deeply watered. I walked away feeling better about myself for at least trying, but not convinced this fiddle could be saved.
Later that afternoon, as I walked by my patio door I was stopped in my tracks. The leaves of this fiddle were literally standing in the opposite direction. The leaves were reaching towards the sky as if to say, “Finally, I’m exactly where I need to be!”
For the next few days I observed the survivor. Not only did the leaves continue to lift and remain attached to the tree, but little buds appeared on the branches.
Simply put, are you where your leaves can lift and buds grow? Are you being nurtured or just struggling to survive? What needs to change in your environment in order to thrive?
xo
chaun
