By Juliana Pires Johnson
Nature can often render me speechless. I can’t think of a place that has left me feeling as inspired and close to God than walking through Japan’s Bamboo Forest. The more I learn, the more I’m convinced that we ought to be more like Bamboo.
Bamboo is patent, resilient, strong and flexible. Bamboo takes a lucky seven years of growing under soil, digging deep, establishing its roots for a strong, unwavering foundation before its visible to the human eye. Setting itself up for success in adulthood.
There are over 1500 types of bamboo. Even though they look similar, they are individuals living in a harmonious commune. Symbolic of one of the Chinese Four Noble Ones, it’s the fresh breath of summer.
Bamboo grows slowly, patiently and strong. Its resilient and under unforgiving circumstances is able to bend, adapt, flex and continue its growth towards a new path and direction. Try cutting bamboo and it grows right back. The work within, that can’t be seen by the human eye keeps it spirited. It has the ability to reach toward the skies and forever aim in that direction, no matter how often its reduced.
Be rooted, do the work when no one is watching to build that character and footing. Keep moving forward. When people try to bring you down, cut your legs, censor you, stand back up, learn, grow better, patiently, lovingly and kind. Follow the sun. Change directions, bend, adapt and just be. Be bamboo.