OUR ROOTS – WE CHERISH, WE DESTROY.

Understanding where we came from helps us decide on our destination. Also, considering who we come from helps us know who we are. This is about the story and the importance of cherishing and respecting our roots. Tall trees bear their magnanimity by developing strong and deep roots; likewise, tall skyscrapers endure strength and forte by digging through equally profound foundations.

A Ficus tree was doing beautifully in my garden until its leaves started to wilt, showing malnourishment and disease. I blamed ever-changing weather conditions as the culprit for the disaster. Nothing worked, even after spraying insecticides and various concoctions to save the tree. So, I decided to dig through a window to check the roots. I was amazed to discover a fat and juicy worm sticking to the roots and nibbling away on the woody delights. After removing the worm, the plant recuperated and was saved.

As young interns, we were trained to take an exhaustive and detailed patient history of the disease and its problems. The history was sometimes extended to the patient’s parentage and other relevant background – again, digging to the roots helps to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis.

A happy-go-lucky or depressive and aggressive criminal personality is governed by the foundation, background and upbringing of the child based on his circumstances and parenthood. Counsellors and Psychiatrists ponder over their clients, trying to delve into their past – their ROOTS.

Accomplished parenthood means nourishing the strong roots of ideals, principles, and values in children and giving them wings to fly to their chosen destinations. The more they are trained to face and endure human atrocities and societal storms, the stronger their roots grow.

‘We are who we are because they were who they were.’

In creating a happy and contented family, the colour of blood or genetic matching is not necessary; what is essential is nourishing the roots of loyalty and trustworthiness towards each other. Opinions and perceptions might change, but our values and principles should be kept alive. Untoward weather conditions might shed or colour the leaves, but the roots must be kept intact, healthy and agile.

Short-lived happiness or emotions galore may temporarily boost moods and attitudes, but contentment seeps in when one touches the baseline.  The baseline is where we are and where we belong. The rule of life is – ‘whatever goes up must come down.’

People conduct genealogical research to trace their family history. Involvement of communications with concerned relatives, documents and online resources like ancestry websites is required to trace the roots. There is a strong desire for a sense of identity, an understanding of cultural heritage, and connecting with ancestors to gain a sense of belonging and insights into the rich family traditions and customs.

While looking for happiness in yourself, be so profoundly rooted in your being that nobody’s absence or presence can disturb your inner peace. This involves self-discovery, accepting negativity, and cultivating a positive attitude.

While caressing through life’s journey and profession, I discovered my passions—a passion for nature, music, and creativity. I realized that these were the basis of my internal happiness and self-awareness. I shared a chunk of my emotional and mental energies to nourish the passions that eventually became ME—my roots.

Connecting to the roots eliminates the nasty dependence on people and worldly things around us. We concentrate our emotions on ourselves and thus emerge happy and complete.

“In order to flourish above, we must be firmly rooted below.”

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