Bamboo lessons

Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein
Today I share observations and life lessons from bamboo.

Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Beginning as a seed, bamboo take four years to establish a firm network of rhizomes from which it becomes the fastest growing plant on earth growing 90’ in six weeks in year five. All good things come to those who wait. anon

The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists. Japanese Proverb
The tensile strength of bamboo is greater than steel. One reason it is still used as scaffolding in the construction industry in HK. (watch this ) The human capacity for burden is like bamboo, far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance. Jodi Picoutt

Express your usefulness through simplicity…. Kensho Furuya
This versatile member of the grass family provides food, shelter, protection from the elements, clothing, cooking utensils, fuel, furniture, drinking vessels and more.
Life is simple but we insist on making in complicated. Confucius The greatest wealth is to be content with little. Plato

Whatever is flexible and flowing will grow, whatever is rigid and blocked will wither and die. Tao Te Ching Trimming bamboo will result in new leaves appearing at the cut as well as new canes sprouting from the earth. By letting go it exhibits continuous growth and renewal.
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need. Lao Tzu

This week become more like the bamboo - patient, deeply rooted, flexible yet strong, see setbacks as opportunities for growth, be useful and find contentment in simplicity.

(inspired by TEDX Be Like Bamboo Tokyo 2011