Bamboo: Bend, But Stay Grounded

Bamboo, a type of grass, is the fastest growing plant in the world. It is also incredibly diverse. The shaved young shoots, the resin (both fluid and dried), and the leaves all have medicinal value. Tabasheer is one of the main substances from bamboo that is used in both Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine; it is often called bamboo-manna. Although bamboo is technically a type of grass, it is used in so many applications in place of wood, including furniture and flooring.

The Bamboo Spirit Medicine tells us to be flexible yet rooted. I have a giant bamboo "tree" on my property that amazes me with its ability to bend so far during high tradewinds. I sit and listen to the creeking, the stalks moving, the leaves blowing, and watch how they reach out to all of the flora and fauna around them. Make no mistake though, bamboo is incredibly strong, even while swaying easily in the breeze. Bamboo has a solid core, a strong foundation, and is deeply rooted. Bamboo never fights against the wind, or asserts it's rigidity against the forces around it. Bamboo understands intuitively that no matter what blows through, she will still be standing tall, strong and beautiful. Eventually, even the strongest of winds loses its steam. 

Today bamboo is telling you to go with the flow, while retaining your rootedness and your strength. Bending and being flexible never means losing your footing, losing your sense of connection or losing who you are. Be firm and strong, so that no-thing can knock you down. And, if you are blown over so far that it looks like you are toppling, remember, you will bounce back up soon. Ground yourself in something real, lasting, solid, permanent and powerful like the earth herself. <3 Liana