Rooted in Resilience: Life Lessons from Olive Trees
Greetings from Adela!
Nature provides us with valuable life lessons. Today, I share lessons from olive trees we learned during our Croatia retreat- pictures above. We visited a family owned organic olive orchard where we received not only superior olive oil education but exceptional hospitality and food.
There was one particular tree in the orchard that was highlighted. She (as all the trees were called) was overflowing with olives; I’ve never seen so many olives on one single tree! Our host explained that a year ago the tree was completely barren…She didn’t produce a single olive 12 months ago and yet this year she was abundant, rich and fruitful. What a wonderful metaphor for life!
Last year I experienced olive harvest season which I wrote about, but some lessons are worth sharing/ hearing more than once. The hosts, Ivan and Ana of Pensa Family Farms, taught the rich history and practical lessons that come with owning an olive orchard. Looking at it from an awareness and/or symbolic lens, these are rich life lessons and I included questions to reflect on:
Resilience: Olive trees are known for their resilience. They can withstand droughts, poor soil conditions, and harsh weather. This resilience teaches us the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges. What are some ways you can tap into your ability to persevere and adapt when difficulties arise?
Patience: Olive trees take several years to produce fruit, and they require consistent care and attention. This reminds us of the virtue of patience and the rewards it can bring in the long run. In what aspects of life could you benefit from exercising more patience?
Sustainability: Olive trees are a sustainable crop. They don't require excessive resources and can thrive with minimal irrigation. This teaches us the importance of sustainable practices in our lives and how we can minimize our environmental footprint. What are some small changes you can make to reduce your environmental impact?
Adaptation: Olive trees have adapted to various climates and regions. This demonstrates the adaptability of nature and encourages us to be open to change and new experiences. When have you successfully embraced change and adapted to new situations in the past? What steps can you take to become more open to change and new experiences?
Nourishment: Olives and olive oil are not only delicious but also nutritious. They remind us of the importance of nourishing our bodies with natural, wholesome foods. How can you improve your diet by incorporating more natural, wholesome foods?
Connection to History and Culture: Olive trees have been a symbol of peace, wisdom, and longevity in various cultures throughout history.This shows how nature can inspire cultural traditions and values. Are there cultural traditions or values that resonate and align with you that you like to incorporate into your life?
Growth and Renewal: Olive trees can live for hundreds of years and continue to produce fruit. This symbolizes the potential for personal growth and renewal throughout our lives. How do you envision your personal growth and renewal in the years ahead? What aspirations do you have for the next stage of life?
Nature is a profound teacher, offering insights and inspiration for a more resilient, patient, sustainable, and interconnected life. Let's continue to learn from the beauty and wisdom of the natural world and apply these lessons to our own personal growth and the well-being of our planet. What are your thoughts?
Lastly, I want to mention that the olive oil, Levantinka, pictured in the center won the Gold Award in NY 2022. Another Croatian olive oil producer won the gold again this year, read article here I’m thrilled and proud!
#NatureWisdom #OliveTreeLessons #ResilienceInNature #LearnFromNature #RenewalAndGrowth #HarmonyWithNature