Life Lessons from the Fig Tree
Navigating through the seasons
The fig tree is deeply revered in North African, Middle Eastern and Southern European cultures. The tree and its fruit are steeped in history and folklore. It clothed Adam and Eve when after being cast down from the Garden of Eden needed to protect their modesty.
This ancient, wise companion of man undergoes a transformation through each season, serving as a guide to living and building your career and life’s work.
Autumn. The once large fan-like leaves turn yellow and begin falling to the ground. The once proud fig tree is now a sorry sight — tattered, torn, forlorn.
Winter. Completely bare, the fig tree takes on the silhouette of a crowd gathered with their arms outstretched towards the sky, asking the heavens for salvation. If you did not know the fig tree you would think that it has reached the end of the road — bare, stark and lifeless.
Spring. Tiny mint-green buds begin to pop overnight — little swaddled babies. They unwrap and turn into startlingly large leaves. The once outstretched arms are now hidden by an emerald green umbrella and sprout tiny heart shaped figs.
Summer. The tree becomes a stage of celebration. It is serenaded by the birds as they share in its miraculous bounty. The ripened figs sustain humans, birds, bees and ants alike.
The arrival of autumn sees the cycle begin once again.
What can we learn from this annual display of the fig tree? A passage of slow decay, lifelessness, then miraculous recovery and a celebration of abundance for the world to enjoy.
Self-doubt is a figment of your imagination.
As we journey through life creating our own paths, heading towards that which has been destined for us, we have those moments, sometimes days, sometimes months where we feel tattered and torn. We may shed a leaf or two and sometimes more, letting our guard down and exposing our weaknesses.
We go through lean periods of feeling unfulfilled, depressed, lacking purpose and sometimes without direction. But all of this is not for nought. We need to let go to move forward. Hibernation allows introspection, to look back, to close finished chapters, to let go of old memories, old friends, old times.
And then as sure as the seasons will come around, without knowing or expecting it, hope appears. Just as you think that the world may have forgotten. It could be a chance encounter with a random person, something you read or heard or watched that triggers you out of this dark slumber.
Little buds will develop. New ideas, new possibilities and new paths will blossom carrying you to new places.
Do not selfishly keep them hidden. Release them for they have a purpose bigger than you. Soon they will develop into large leaves catching the wind. The sun will provide until the day the world may also benefit from the bounty that you are able to provide through your life’s work.
As you walk the path through the seasons, consume less, create more — give! It is an intrinsic part of you and your relationship with the universe.
Be open, be authentic, be yourself. The world is waiting for the fruit that you will provide.
And when you do, be assured, the birds, bees and mankind will be singing.
