~Peeling Away The Layers

Trees grow up through their branches

and down through their roots into the earth.

…

They also grow wider with each passing year.

As they do, they shed the bark

that served to protect them but now

is no longer big enough to contain them.

…

In the same way, we create boundaries

and develop defenses to protect ourselves

and then, at a certain point,

we outgrow them.

…

If we don’t allow ourselves to shed our protective layer,

we can’t expand to our full potential.

…

Trees need their protective bark

to enable the delicate process of growth

and renewal to unfold without threat.

Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses

so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves

can safely heal and unfold.

…

But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften,

loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses

we no longer need.

…

It is often the case in life that structures we put in place

to help us grow eventually become constricting.

..

Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide

when it’s time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries,

so we can move into our next ring of growth.

…

Many spiritual teachers have suggested

that our egos don’t disappear

so much as they become large enough

to hold more than just our small sense of self—

the boundary of self widens

to contain people and beings other than just “me.”

…

Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness

or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need,

we metaphorically become bigger people.

…

With this in mind, it is important

that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses.

While it is essential to set and honor

the protective barriers we have put in place,

it is equally important that we soften and release them

when the time comes.

..

In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.

…