*November 2nd*

In the region where I live there are giant redwood trees. Walking in the forests of these giants is like walking into a fairytale land. As many times as I've done so, I remain amazed at the vast sights I behold!

Yet, it is interesting how you almost never find a great redwood tree standing alone. Why is this? One would think mighty roots of such a magnificent monster clings deeply and aggressively within earth, staunchly resisting endless storms!

But this is not the case. Redwood trees grow tall and grand, not because they grasp deeply in soil, but because their roots grow out from the tree they serve, while weaving its roots remarkably with roots of other Redwood trees. Only then, standing united, do numbers of redwood trees survive the occasional mighty winds of the American Pacific North Coast.

Some of life's greatest challenges requires "community" for "individuals" to survive. This is something difficult for those of us who find it easy being individuals doing our own thing privately. ... But look at the harm you do, a harm by omition if you will, for your not reaching out both for another's need, as well as the needs that are your own.

You cannot be a giant tree standing alone. Not even mighty redwoods do that!

[Written by Jim Hogue, MA, MFTI/
Supervisor: Peter Mosgofian, MA, MFT]