Once upon a time in a far away land their was a solitary tree in the middle of a large field. All day long this tree bemoaned its fate and longed to be able to reach the sky. Or maybe just to move a few yards into another part of the field.

You see it felt trapped and scared that it would never be more then a tree in a field, all by itself.

The tree had a friend, it was not completely alone.  It could talk to its roots whenever it chose to, but it ignored the roots most of the time because it felt the roots did not understand its plight. After all, what did a root know. It was always underground, in the earth and not free to ponder the possibilities of the upper world.

One day, the tree in its pain and frustration realized that it was dying. It could see the limbs drying up and the leafs turning color and it cried. It cried because it knew that something had to change and it did not know how or where to turn for help.

The roots, hearing the sobbing of the tree, asked what was the matter. The tree said, I am dying and I will never realize my dream. I am just a tree in a field, trapped with longings in my heart that I cannot fulfill.

That is not true, said the roots. You are never alone, I am here giving you nourishment, comfort and hope. I sink deep into the earth and draw into you the very essence of your life as a tree. I support you and leave you alone till you are afraid and confused, then I become available to you in your vulnerability.

You see, you have become so engrossed in your dreams and idea's that you have forgotten the priority and purpose of me. I am your friend, your companion and your support system.

The tree stopped crying and looked at the roots differently. What the roots said took to heart. The tree realized that it had been selfish and preoccupied with its own plans for many years. It asked the roots humbly if it would help the tree to live and realize its purpose.

The roots agreed, but it said their was a stipulation. Fear gripped the tree for a minute, as it wondered what kind of deal it would have to make or what it had to give up. The roots smiled, knowing the fear of the tree. You must trust me, said the roots. I have been supporting you all these years and thru all weather and storms I have never failed you. The tree smiled a half smile. It realized how true that was. It also realized that the roots were more important then it realized.
after all with out roots what tree could live.

Alright, said the tree. what must I do. The roots with utmost sincerity and compassion said to the tree. You have to let go of your plans and purposes and return to the naturalness of your life with me. You see you have cut yourself off from me and the source of your life. You wonder in purposes without power to achieve them.

The tree felt a deep sorrow at these words, they struck deeply into him. Like a familiar ring or the feeling of having known it all the time, but afraid to admit it. Anxiety filled the tree,as he wondered what would become of him if he let go of the dreams he carried. I don't want to die, said the tree. I am afraid.

You will not die, said the roots. Your purposes will merge with mine and we will together build a beautiful future and all your desires will be accomplished. Really, said the tree, halfheartedly and trembling. Yes, said the roots..all you have to do is let go of controlling your life.

The tree ignored the roots for a while and pondered the words of the roots. Tossing back and forth it wanted to run, but it could not. It was caught in a trap and faced to look deep within at itself for the first time. Alone, afraid and abandoned
is how it felt. Not wanting to believe the roots but sure it was correct. The tree decided that it would die. after all, what did it have to loose. Its life as it was, was going no where.

Turning to the roots it said alright, what do i need to do? Nothing said the roots, it has already begun. The tre