Polls - NEW

 

Here's a question I've been thinking a lot about recently:

"Do we need adversity to grow?"

 

 

Could it be that we NEED experiences, even, maybe, a bit of adversity, to grow to our fullest?  It proved to be true for the trees in Biosphere II after all.  If you don’t recall, Biosphere II was the multi-million-dollar project of a  totally enclosed ecosystem.  What happened was the trees in the simulated rain forest grew to a pretty good height and then became top heavy and fell over.  What Scientists later figured out is that the trees needed wind.  They need the resistance of the wind to help strengthen their trunks.  Without wind, they were weak, and they fell. 

What do we need?  

 

 

Would love to hear what you think,

Rachel

 

I need my right foot to wake up and my balance to improve. I think 5 strokes have had more than enough of an adverse effect on me.

 I suppose I've always believed the adage "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger."  Not necessarily in the physical sense, but in the sense of developing inner strength, to be able to mentally and emotionally deal with all that life has to offer, both good and bad. I've had my share of adversity, and if you compared me to a tree, I suppose my trunk would look scarred and burned in places, my branches twisted and misshapen, some pruned off completely.  But, a tree that is still managing to stand, nonetheless.  I also believe that some trees that may not be as physically strong as others can still thrive and grow stronger with the help of the surrounding trees that help to protect them when things are too harsh, or provide "leaning posts" to keep them from falling. Of course, in this analogy, the surrounding trees would be loved ones/caregivers, assistance devices, and faith. 

   The tree analogy makes an excellent one. Have you ever seen a tree or plant grown in zero gravity,away from natural light and normal surroundings? They grow in peculiar shapes, often stunted and never blooming or reaching anything like their full potential.  They are grown in a vacuum, with no outside influences or forces to help them develop. I'd compare this to a person that becomes withdrawn and reclusive, keeping only to him or herself, without contact by "outside forces" (people, life and everyday experiences in general) that might nurture them into something more.  

  As a person, and not a tree, I personally feel that I need to be challenged on occasion, just to keep my muscles toned in order to face the big winds.  Then again, she whined to all who would listen, I don't want it always to be difficult. It would be nice to just be able to coast once in a while, too, and not have even the simplest thing turn into an all-week project. 

  Interesting topic, by the way. I'm looking forward to reading the other responses!

 

hugs from ducky

 

 

  

I was watching the Matrix again for the first time in years the other night (to lazy to go rent something newer, I suppose) and was struck by some of the dialogue: Agent Smith said that the first version of their world had been a disaster because everything was perfect and that the second version was much better because it had pain and suffering and that people somehow needed the pain and suffering.  I thought that was very interesting. 

 

Looking at it from that angle raises a companion question to the one you asked: Is it possible to grow to one's fullest potential without ever experiencing pain/suffering/adversity?  I'm not sure that it is.

 

Perhaps adversity is part of the human condition and without it we'd be incomplete.  

If we think about it.....things like 9/11........as a nation....we came together....showed our unity....strength.....at our worst times.....isn't it then that we reach for God.......eachother ? So I think the answer is probably yes.....and I can't even imagine how many stories are out there describing accidents...losses....diseases etc, that brought out hidden strengths.....i.e. love....compassion.....mostly courage......courage that would otherwise never been exposed. So yes, I think.......Peace and love.....Norma

brucec3:

I need my right foot to wake up and my balance to improve. I think 5 strokes have had more than enough of an adverse effect on me.

Sounds like your "tree" has been pushed around plenty Bruce!

Oooooooooooh! interesting question! I think we probably do need adversity, but I also think it is something that naturally occurring and something that is more a part of the entire progressive process rather than something we can divorce from it. I think it's just a part of the evolutionary processs. I also think that artificial adversity (caused by man) is something that is against nature, but is not a part of the process and only harms progression. In other words, murder isn't a part of the process of progression since it is enacted against nature and artificially, but the grieving process that comes from it is natural. Does that make sense? 

Yes.