Pine Seeds

Lodgepole Pine seeds are these wonderful little packets protected in a shell that requires the intense heat of fire to bring it to life. Once a fire burns away the resin cover, the seed is able to germinate. Other tree seeds require fire, not to open them up, but to clear away the underbrush and other trees that compete for light. The fire is necessary to clear away excess growth that takes nutrients away from the health of the forest. New life can then generate.

Our own life can sometimes mirror that of nature. Occasionally, a good fire can clear away the unnecessary debris littering and cluttering our lives, getting in the way of healthy growth. Though painful, significant change (fire) can give us an opportunity to take a new direction and reevaluate personal goals. When the change is unexpected, it can be frightening and confusing, but soon, a sense of direction develops. If we explore and embrace it, we often find something really special is the result.

Forest managers often will initiate a “controlled” burn to help create a balanced ecosystem. Sometimes, we can perform that in our own lives, if we see that we are becoming unhealthy in our jobs or personal lives. Creating change can be uncomfortable, but it can improve how we work and live. It gives us new eyes and the ability to break out of the shell we have become accustomed to. Creativity thrives once the debris is gone.

Embrace the pine seed within you and let growth happen.