Estimated Reading Time 8 Minutes
Hey You! This is The Vibrant Life Podcast, where we explore the principles of personal growth, spirituality, and living life to the fullest. I’m Emily Romrell, and today we’re drawing fascinating parallels between plant biology and personal development. Have you ever marveled at the resilience and beauty of trees? They stand tall, branches reaching towards the heavens, roots anchored firmly in the earth. But have you ever considered the incredible journey trees undergo to reach such majestic heights? Let’s explore how geotropism and phototropism offer insights into challenges and growth. It’s truly amazing how many lessons we can learn by observing nature and how the world works.
But before we dive in, I want to share something exciting with you! Have you ever wished for a tool to help you live your most vibrant life? Well, look no further! Check out my latest creations: The Vibrant Life Goal Planner and Po~Em’s, my anthology of poetry. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your goals or simply craving a dose of inspiration, these resources are designed to uplift and empower you on your journey. And don’t forget, they’re available on Amazon!
And speaking of empowerment, The General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is happening this weekend. It’s a wonderful opportunity to receive guidance, inspiration, and revelation from our leaders and to strengthen our connection with our faith community. I’ll throw up a link in my show notes or you can just google it. But check it out and get inspired!
Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to The Vibrant Life Podcast, leave your comments, and share this episode with your friends and family. I value your feedback and love connecting with you. Together, let’s spread the joy of a vibrant life!
Picture this: a tiny seed buried deep within the earth. In darkness and obscurity, it faces resistance from the soil pressing down on all sides. Yet, within this darkness, something miraculous is happening. The seed begins to germinate, sending out tender roots in search of stability and nourishment. Isn’t it fascinating how this mirrors our own journey of growth? We, too, face times of darkness and resistance—moments when it feels like the weight of the world is pressing down on us. But just like the seed, we have the power to push through, to send our roots deep into the soil of our experiences and find strength in the darkness.
Geotropism is a plant’s response to gravity, directing its roots to grow downwards into the soil. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges and resistance we encounter in life. Just like a seed buried deep within the soil, we often find ourselves facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and setbacks. These moments can feel like being buried under the weight of our circumstances, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and powerless. However, as motivational speaker Christine Caine once said, “When you think you’ve been buried, you’ve actually been planted.”
This quote offers a wonderful paradigm shift. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles to our growth, we recognize them as opportunities for renewal and transformation. Like a seed planted in fertile soil, our struggles provide the necessary conditions for us to root ourselves deeply and grow.
Just as a tree needs to be rooted in the soil to thrive, we too must be rooted in correct and grounding principles. These principles provide stability and direction in times of uncertainty. For instance, the principle of resilience teaches us to bounce back from setbacks and failures, while the principle of gratitude reminds us to find joy and abundance in every circumstance. It’s kind of a great image, right? In my mind I see these large roots spreading out down into the earth and each one is labeled with a core principle. Faith, Integrity, Family, Friendship, Service, Talents, and Passions, all have a place. Each one grounds us in marvelous ways.
Additionally, there’s a beautiful parable comparing faith to a seed in Alma in the Book of Mormon, we learn that faith starts out as a small seed and can grow into a tree bearing many different and good fruits. In Alma 32:28, we read, “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”
This is how we gain practical knowledge in all life experience as humans, right? It’s the scientific method described in spiritual terms. We experiment. We say to ourselves, “I believe this thing could be good.” Then we try it out, and if conditions are correct that good thing becomes real for us and even multiplies. But everything begins with faith.
Faith, as the initial seed, creates a cascade of positive growth. It branches out. For example, faith in oneself can lead to confidence and self-assurance, while faith in others can foster trust and collaboration. Similarly, faith in divine principles can lead to humility, compassion, and a sense of purpose.
These are just a few of the things we can learn from geotropism. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and rooting ourselves in correct principles, we lay the foundation for resilience, strength, and transformation in our lives. Moreover, faith serves as the catalyst for more growth, leading to a life filled with purpose, abundance, and joy.
Phototropism is how trees reach out to sunlight for energy and growth. Just as plants naturally gravitate towards light for sustenance and growth, we can draw a parallel in our personal development journey. When we align ourselves with sources of positivity, inspiration, and enlightenment, we nourish our spirits and facilitate our growth and fulfillment. Phototropism serves as a powerful metaphor for our innate inclination towards spiritual enlightenment and personal growth when we look to the light of higher principles and ideals. The most profound example of this is when we look to The Son Of God, Jesus Christ.
Just as plants instinctively turn towards the light for sustenance, we too grow into our best selves and toward greater possibilities when we align ourselves with the light of Jesus Christ. This concept is beautifully captured in the words of John 8:12, where Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
The Book of Mormon also emphasizes the importance of following the light of Christ. In 3 Nephi 18:24, Jesus teaches, “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up.” This scripture underscores the role of discipleship in reflecting the light of Christ to others spreading hope, love, and truth.
And in Doctrine and Covenants 84:45–46, we read, “For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.”
This passage beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of truth, light, and the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Just as plants respond to the light for growth, our souls are drawn to the light of truth, which emanates from the Savior. It is this divine light that enlightens our minds and hearts, guiding us towards spiritual growth and understanding.
One of my absolute favorite scriptures is Doctrine and Covenants 88:67, “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” This verse highlights focusing our attention and intentions on the glory of the Savior. When we align our lives with His teachings and strive to live according to His will, we become filled with His light, dispelling darkness and illuminating our path with understanding and clarity.
The word “light” appears 535 times in the scriptures. Each mention serves as a reminder of the divine source of illumination and guidance available to us as we navigate life’s challenges and seek personal growth. Just as plants seek out light for sustenance and growth, so too can we nourish our souls by aligning ourselves with the divine light of Jesus Christ.
In the realm of personal development, Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People, offers valuable insights akin to light. Covey’s approach emphasizes aligning our actions with our core values and principles. He said, “I am personally persuaded that the principles we teach in the Seven Habits are universal, timeless, self-evident, and that insofar as people learn to internalize and live by those principles, they can live rich, full, and effective lives.” This alignment acts as a light, illuminating our path and helping us make decisions that lead to greater fulfillment and success.
Additionally, the work of Shawn Achor teaches us the power of positivity in personal development. He wrote a great book called The Happiness Advantage. Achor’s research on the science of happiness shows the importance of a positive mindset, which can be a light amidst life’s challenges. Achor said, “When we are positive, our brains are more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work.” By focusing on, ahem, the bright side, we illuminate our perspective and foster resilience. Life is simply better with a positive attitude.
Finding balance is key to flourishing in life. Ironically, the same principles that serve as strong roots for us can also be sources of light, guiding us toward equilibrium and resilience. Just as trees utilize both geotropism and phototropism to grow in two directions, we too can embrace dual forces in our lives to achieve balance and strength.
Consider the concept of integrity, for instance. Integrity, rooted in honesty and moral principles, provides stability and strength as we navigate life’s challenges. However, integrity also serves as a beacon of light, illuminating our path and guiding us toward ethical decision-making.
Similarly, the principle of self-care serves as both roots and light. Taking care of ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally—creates a solid foundation for growth and well-being. Yet, self-care also shines a light on prioritizing our health and happiness, enabling us with clarity and resilience. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” By nurturing ourselves, we replenish our inner resources and maintain the balance necessary for sustained growth.
Moreover, the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth acts as both roots and light in self-improvement. Learning and expanding our horizons provide a strong foundation for development, enabling us to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing world. Simultaneously, the pursuit of knowledge illuminates new pathways and possibilities, encouraging us to explore and embrace new opportunities.
This resonates with wisdom in the 13th Article of Faith: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. There are so, so many seeds and there is so much light.
Like trees growing in two directions, toward both the depths of the earth and the glorious sun, we must nurture both our roots and our light. The dual forces that ground us in stability and illuminate our path. So, let us continue to grow into our most vibrant lives. Remember, you, my friends, can reach majestic heights, just like the trees. I hope that we will embrace the journey and have a heck of a lot of fun along the way. Thank you for joining me on The Vibrant Life Podcast. Until next time, stay rooted, stay bright, and stay vibrant.
