” Reach for the heavens, and hope for the future…
For all that we can be…
And not what we are!!!”
These words, written and sung by John Denver, have long been etched in my mind. They help to inspire me to regain my focus when the conditions of either my thought world or the outer world seem to be out of sync with my dreams. Although these lyrics were not written about plants or flowers, they triggered me to reflect on the journey that each seed must take in order to unfold into a beautiful flower. This journey begins when a seed is placed in the darkened soil. Then, if the proper conditions are met, a sprout begins to emerge and reaches outward. Guided by a call to grow upward, it soon breaks through the top layer of soil. Then for the rest of its journey, the plant seeks Light.
Despite our differences, science reminds us that we share fundamental biological, genetic, and physiological processes with plants. However, after recently spending much of my time watching the Winter Olympics, I cannot help but think that we might possibly share something more…i.e., the innate drive to reach and expand!
One of my favorite parts of the televised Olympic coverage was hearing about the personal challenges that many of the Athletes faced on their Olympic journey. Their quests shared similar beginnings, as many had an early passion that sprouted into a Dream. Then their Dreams spurred years of intense training, discipline, and determination, which resulted in numerous successes and often umpteen failures. However, one of my favorite aspects of their journeys, and what often sets the Olympians apart from the rest of us, is observing how they turn their disappointments and setbacks into springboards for success. Thus for me, watching the Olympics was not just about seeing great athletes perform and compete for the Gold, but rather, it was a source of inspiration. It was a reminder that there is the seed of an Olympian in all of us, and that we too are invited on the journey of courage, discipline, and determination in order to reach for our own special Dreams.
And now, thanks to all of the Olympic Athletes, to John Denver, and to the entire plant kingdom for the renewed inspiration to:
“Reach for the Heavens and hope for the future,
for all that we can be and not what we are!”
