Once in a shady forest, a small seed and a large stone lay side by side on the ground. The seed asked the stone, “How are you able to stand so still and unchanging?” Thinking that one day he’d like to be as strong and unmovable.
The stone, with its centuries of wisdom, replied, “I stand this way because my strength is in my stillness. I have endured for ages, standing firm against storms and winds. I am fixed, for I have found my place.”
The seed, eager to find his budding path, said, “I want to grow, bloom, and reach for the sun. I want to feel the rain, and spread my roots deep into the earth. Though I am small, I will rise, and I will change the world around me.”
The stone affirmed the seed by saying, “The ground may shake, the wind may blow, and seasons will come and go, but you have the power to grow and to spread your leaves towards the sky because of your willingness to do so.”
And so, the seed did grow by remaining true to himself, trusting in his inner nature. His unwavering focus became his strength! His roots spread out deep into the earth, and while the stone was content with himself to stand still, the seed streached higher each day reaching toward his full potential seeking to find his unique place in the world. Over time, the seed grew into a towering tree, his roots firmly planted and his branches spread out toward the sun – and the stone, still unmoved, admired his transformation.
Both the stone and the tree had found their purpose – one through stillness and the other through growth. The seed learned that his growth didn’t come from resisting, but from embracing change while remaining absorbed in his goal. Just like the stone, the tree had learned that authenticity comes from staying true to one’s nature. Whether in stillness or in growth, both had found their place in the world, each in their own way.
True Fulfillment Comes from Embracing Your Unique Life Path
In the story, the stone represents the stability and strength found in stillness, while the tree symbolizes the desire for growth and the pursuit of one’s full potential. This reflects the concept of self-actualization, where fulfillment comes from embracing your unique path – which involves steady endurance and expansive growth.
Lifeward Living is the understanding that true fulfillment comes from living authentically, staying true to your nature, and learning to embrace change calmly, without resistance. Like the seed, we must trust the process of growth, which tends to come gradually. Just as the stone and the tree each found their purpose individually can also find our place by honoring our personal journeys toward becoming our best selves.
Living the Story, Sharing the Journey