Being ourselves

I like it.

I consider myself akin to a bonzai tree. I need to prune my branches that tangent off too far from my core trunk, and I restrict the spread of my root curiosities to try to remain grounded and modest in stature

Nice to meet you. I consider myself Buddhist and am familiar with the principles of life as suffering. Have always found these philosophies very useful. Thanks for the insight

To continue with the botanical theme...

I'm like an old root bound pot plant that sometimes needs to be uprooted and pruned hard in order to grow. I liken this to difficult changes we have to face in life.

Hi JT, I hope you are well. We haven't spoken before, but I was drawn to your post.

Directing people's attention towards flowers was one of the analogies the historical buddha is said to have used to point to the end of suffering (or enlightenment). I'm guessing that's why you'll often find paintings and sculptures of him seated on a lotus flower or holding one in his hand.

Similarly, you'll find many references to flowers in the Bible. (I'm not familiar with many religious or sacred texts, but I usually remember fragments from them that resonate with me).

Luke 12:27 “Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin."

This equally important to remind ourselves of

Dawn said:

When a flower does not bloom you change the environment in which it grown, not the flower"

JT said:

'A flower doesn't compete with the flower next to it, it just blooms'.

Everyone is full of lovely wisdom this Friday!

I like that.

When I was diagnosed my friend sent me a card which read:  "When a flower does not bloom you change the environment in which it is grown, not the flower"

I actually raced bikes for 10 years as a kid, all over the UK. Sometime later it became clear that it wasn't competition that interested me, but the feeling of freedom it gave me. As well as an intense interest in all the paraphernalia of the sport itself.

I'm currently working on a project about competitive mindsets in grassroots sport, I'm interested in the drivers and motivations behind people who take risks to win.

I've never felt competitive.. it's interesting to learn what it's like from another perspective.. how did you find being competitive and would you say you still have these competitive traits? 

I was too competitive at School, I came from a Patronage that always got their way. So, acceptance is learned behaviour.

This is beautiful! I've never understood competing.. why can't people just enjoy the taking part..?? competition often feels so negative. 

Glad that had the same affect on you guys

I love that 

Beautiful. You made me smile this morning.