Lessons from a Palm Tree

   
     During the worst hurricanes, the palm tree survives.  We could learn a thing or  two from their characteristics.
     The palm has a super large anchor of short rambling roots spread across the upper layer of soil which creates a wide network.  We might benefit from extending ourselves to the right and left, toward liberal and conservative ideas in order to connect with a  wider area of thought.  This anchor will contain a better understanding of ourselves and others.
     The leaves or fronds of a palm tree are huge with flexible spines.  In nice weather, the fronds spread out and make a canopy.  In strong wind, they fold up with less resistance against the elements.  When fronds snap off, they further reduce resistance, spare the trunk, and grow back within a few months to a year.  We benefit from being flexible instead of rigid.  We can go with the flow and drop superfluous ideas in order to form new ones.
     More lessons come from the coconut palm which completely develops the nut with a hard, water resistant shell that can withstand many traumas.  When it separates from the tree, it drops to the ground or into the ocean where its buoyancy allows it to survive and travel great distances.  We must prepare our little nuts to be independent, handle the difficulties of life, leave home, and often live far away in order to be successful.