The Winds That Shape Us

 

Wind is one of the essential elements for tree growth. It supplies fresh oxygen and carbon dioxide—vital for respiration and photosynthesis—and promotes transpiration from the leaves, helping trees regulate their moisture. Wind also prevents excessive elongation, where stems and branches grow longer than necessary, and helps suppress pests and diseases. Moreover, as trees sway in the wind, their trunks and branches grow stronger, increasing their resilience over time. Interestingly, these benefits that wind brings to trees also apply to us humans. In our daily lives, we too encounter various "winds"—some favorable tailwinds, others challenging headwinds. By enduring, navigating, and learning from these forces over time, we develop strength, resilience, and maturity. This thought came to me as I watched trees gently swaying in the wind—quietly yet powerfully growing with each gust.

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