Nature is always speaking to us and it is through nature we can learn many practical life lessons. The practical and spiritual significance of nature has been symbolically embedded in many different cultures. We’ve learnt that when we connect with nature we can see and hear the lessons that nature has to offer. The symbolism of the bamboo plant deeply embedded in Japanese culture offers many practical lessons on life.
What looks weak is strong
Bamboo is small compared to other trees, yet endures the coldest winters, hottest summers and many times is all left standing after the storm. Be like the bamboo and don’t underestimate yourself, believe in your strengths and stand tall in the face of adversities.
Bend but don’t break
The bamboo’s body is hard and firm yet it gently sways with the breeze. Its roots planted firmly and its foundations solid, the bamboo goes with the flow of the wind swaying harmoniously never fighting against it. Even in the strongest wind the bamboo bends and doesn’t break. Be like the bamboo, establish solid foundations and go with the natural flow of life, don’t fight against it.
Be strongly rooted yet flexible
The flexibility of bamboo is due to its strong and complex root structure, making the ground around a bamboo forest very stable. Be like the bamboo and put time and effort into establishing strong roots in your local community and make your foundations stable.
Slow down your busy mind
‘We cannot see our reflection in running water, it is only in still water that we can see’ (Taoist proverb). With life so fast paced we become so busy we need to slow down our mind so we can see a clearer picture. Inspiration is found in a bamboo forest. Be like the bamboo, be here now be somewhere else later.
Be always ready
Bamboo like the warrior is always ready for action in any situation. Be like the bamboo and make yourself ready for any situation you find yourself in.
Find wisdom in emptiness
The hollow insides of the bamboo symbolise emptiness, reminding us that you can’t fill a cup that’s already full. To receive knowledge and wisdom you need to empty your mind and be open to new and different experiences. Be like the bamboo, empty your cup so it may be filled.
Smile, laugh and play
Bamboo has a strong connection with smiling, laughter, and playfulness and in Japanese culture bamboo is used for making kites and other arts and crafts. They say that bamboo swaying in the wind sounds like laughing. Be like the bamboo and spend time smiling, laughing, and playing.
Commit yourself to growth and renewal
Bamboo grows fast but its growth is not always noticed from day to day. Be like the bamboo and commit yourself to continual personal growth. No matter your pace, even when you don’t notice your progress with continuous effort you will always grow.
Express usefulness through simplicity
Bamboo is simplistically useful and in Japanese culture the bamboo is used for many practical needs. Be like the bamboo and keep your life simple, find easier solutions and reflect on what you consider ‘quality of life’.
Unleash your power to spring back
Bamboo is resilient quickly bouncing back. Be like the bamboo and use your inner strengths to spring back from life struggles. No matter how many times you fall always get back up. It’s not how hard you get hit, it’s how hard you get hit and can keep moving forward.
Remain flexible, adaptable, and resilient, be like the bamboo and never give up!
Life lessons offered by the bamboo plant were found in a 12-minuite TEDxTokyo talk featuring Garr Reynolds, recorded live from Tokyo on May 21, 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g8T8MsFIp0&feature=youtu.be