What The Trees Teach

Autumn leaves at the summit of Haguro-san (Mt. Haguro)

Strength lies not in what we hold onto but what we are willing to release. 

When the days shorten and the temperature drops, some trees know instinctively what to do: get rid of anything they can’t afford to maintain.

They drop their leaves. 

Reduce their surface area. 

Slow their metabolism. 

They save the precious energy they do have for what matters most: protecting the core — the trunk, the roots, the parts that must survive if they’re ever going to thrive again in spring.

Winter isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard either. Winter is simply our reminder to focus whatever energy we have on what truly matters. 

Letting go isn’t the end.

It’s what makes starting again possible. 

Shed the excess.

Discover what is truly necessary. 

Return to the basics.

And start fresh when spring comes, whenever that may be.