Living as an ant or a tree

Once upon a time an ant, a tree and a human gathered to decide which of the species is the most advanced. 

The Ant said: I represent ant colonies. We serve our Queen, we build underground tunnels and diligently work day and night. Each one of us can carry 10-50 times of our own weight. We live as a community, we serve the community. We, the workers, decide what to do. Younger ants work inside the nest, and older gather the food and fight the predators. 

Ants, Beijing botanical garden

The Tree said: I represent forests and jungles. We provide oxygen for the whole earth, with our roots we hold the soil together to prevent the erosion. In our branches we give homes to birds, we provide the shade to all creatures. Our Mother Trees communicate with all other trees through the roots. We also nourish and protect each other unconditionally. We can live up to 4844 years. 

Tree, Beijing botanical garden

The Human said: I represent people. We build tunnels, and we have medicine to help us to live long. We build roads to connect the living areas, and borders to prevent others from coming in. We walk on two legs, and our spine is straight. We have thumbs, which enable us to make tools and learn how to work. Our brain is unique. Only us humans have neocortex. Hence we are the most advanced species of all.

Human, Beijing botanical garden

Moral: Humans praise human systems as the most advanced ones. From the perspective of an ant or a tree, these systems are irrelevant. 

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. 

Einstein

This week, explore shifting your perspective and letting go of self-importance. How would your life be if you were not bothered about who is the best, smartest or most advanced? 

Now, consider the opposite and explore your view of the world when you feel insecure or weak. Write down a list of statements that you regard as personal truths when you are in that state, e.g.

·      I am lazy

·      I am stupid 

·      Nobody loves me

·      Nobody cares

·      I am never going to make it 

How would these statements sound from the perspective of an ant or a tree?

Mindfully yours, Dalida

Founder of BMC
Executive & Mindfulness Certified Coach

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