“You must approach quietly as a doe to the river for an evening drink. You must be slow as the ripening wood with the patience of an ancient weaver, bringing into being one perfect tapestry.” ~ naylin isikinihi naakai ts’ilsoose yraceburu

Today, I AM appreciating the beautiful tree still breathing beyond my window.  I say ’still breathing’ because two days ago its life was in peril.

I became aware of its precarious position as I sat at my desk, staring thru the windows of my computer, grossly involved in I’m not sure what.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I looked up to find the tree shaking wildly from side to side, as a “landscaper” tried to push it over and snap! its trunk.

Thankfully the ‘push’ of his small Cat-like machine was no match for the strength of deep roots.

Now, I have a confession:  One of the things I want to see before I pass from this earth is a falling tree.

To be more specific, to witness a tree gratefully giving itself back to the land, having lived a full life, returning home in its own time.   Not cut down, nor pushed over or having slowly died because it has been trimmed beyond its ability to thrive.

So, after racing thoughts seered through my mind, “No!  This is not how I want to see a tree go!”,  I prayed for a way to save this verdant friend and was inspired to make my way to the fence.

I greeted the ‘tree attackers’, inquired about their plans, then politely told them the tree wanted to stay — pointing out its unique beauty, cooling shade, and the value it would bring to the property they are trying to sell. Reiterating the tree wanted to stay did little more than garner smirks and rolled eyes.  I guess they don’t talk to trees often.

Only when I pointed out that its roots extended to my property, and that if uprooted, may cause trouble with the water and electric lines that run along the fence did they finally agree to re-look at the decision to take it out.

So what did the tree teach me about the Art of Persuasion?

We have to find what inspires others, not just what turns us on, in order to make positive change in the world.

We also have to be willing to have flexibility while standing our ground, bend toward the Lighter side of life, reach out to our neighbors, stick true to the be-leaf anything is possible AND let go of all attachments in order to nourish upcoming opportunities to thrive and grow!  What an amazing teacher trees can be!

So today I invite you to shift perspective and approach an opportunity or challenge from the other parties point of view.  How will this change your approach?  What inspiring ideas will come to you when the perspective changes from ‘What’s in it for me’ to ‘What’s in it for you’?

I would love to hear your stories and experiences where shifting views has made a positive difference for yourself — and, of course, others, too!