Let’s practice the system of support, of charity right at home.
Digital Desk: The trees that form a network of roots below the surface to support each other demonstrate an amazing phenomenon.
When some tree in the forest is about to die, its neighbouring green relatives try to supply it with essential nutrients by connecting through the roots underground. Many a time, the sick tree gets a new lease of life through this!
This is a wonderful example of ‘charity begins at home.’ The trees look out for their fellow beings close by, and offer life-saving support and sustenance to bring a sick one back to life again.
And all of this goes on, silently, without fanfare, literally underground.
Among the myriads of lessons that Nature teaches us, this is a significant one.
As the beautiful hymn says, “There’s my brother so lone and forgotten, it’s up to me to make things lighter for him.”
So, in order to be in sync with nature, let us look out for our fellow brethren.
The beginning is always best at home. Whether it be initiation into the world of letters, or learning the basic values of life, home and hearth is the first and best school for us.
So, let’s practice this system of support, of charity right at home.
Away from the adulation of the world, let us extend our support system first to those nearest to us.
Sometimes, it’s just a few words of kindness, sometimes it’s just listening with empathy, that translates into invaluable support for our near and dear ones. When someone near to us is going through a crisis, we should not wait to be asked. Rather, proffering help in whichever way we can is most befitting of our station as ‘humane’ beings.
Let us today pause and assess what service we can render to others who are facing challenges near us.
We can begin with a simple hello, and then listening in to their concerns.
That’s how, like the trees we can live with glory and contribute to the goodness of the world.
(The writer is a Life Coach and Senior Soft Skills trainer; and can be reached at atifa@comeaspire.net)
Atifa Deshamukhya
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