The Old Tree and the Clouds: Finding Peace in Our Own Nature

A short parable set in the Himalayan foothills shows how envy fades when we see the quiet trade-offs behind freedom and stability. Through the story of the old tree and the passing clouds, we explore how consistency can be strength, flexibility can be wisdom, and peace arises when we honor our own unique role in life.

In this episode:
• Parable of the old tree and passing clouds
• The contrast between freedom and constancy
• Recognizing the trade-offs behind envy
• Consistency as an anchor in times of change
• Valuing unique roles and strengths
• Acceptance of differences without judgment
• A practical reflection on purpose and identity

✨ A gentle reminder that we can find harmony not by wishing to be different, but by embracing the beauty of who we already are.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Opening And Parable Setup
• 0:54 The Old Tree Speaks
• 1:57 The Clouds Respond
• 2:53 Acceptance And Shared Wisdom
• 3:47 Modern Takeaways And Closing

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:23

Hey there. Today I'm going to share with you a parable about constancy. I think you might find it insightful. It's called The Old Tree and the Clouds. In the foothills of the Himalayas stood an old mighty tree. It had sheltered many generations of animals and was a witness to the passing of time. Every day the tree watched the clouds pass by in the sky. Some were small and fleeting, while others were large and enormous, and they were constantly changing shape. One day the tree said to the passing clouds, You are so free and changeable. You can travel wherever the wind takes you, and you can transform yourselves into any shape. How beautiful it must be to be so free and changeable. Unlike you, I am bound to this one place and cannot change my form. The clouds heard the words of the tree and answered You see our freedom and changeability and envy us, but we see your constancy and envy you. You are firmly rooted and strong. You survive the strongest storms while we are blown to and fro by the wind. You give life and shelter as we pass by, leaving nothing behind. Every existence has its own merits and challenges. The tree heard the words of the clouds and recognized their wisdom. It realized that its constancy and strength were as valuable as the freedom and changeability of the clouds. From then on, it no longer complained about its existence, but appreciated its own role and importance in life. And so the tree lived its life in peace and acceptance, recognizing the beauty of its own existence and understanding that every form of being, whether fixed and permanent or free and changing, has its own value and purpose. The ancient tree in the clouds teach us the important lesson of permanence and recognition of our own unique existence. It's a beautiful little story, isn't it? Consistency is change. Life is full of changes, but like the tree, we can show strength and consistency in the midst of those changes. Through consistency, we can anchor ourselves in difficult times and provide a safe haven for others. The clouds help the tree recognize its own value. Each of us has a unique contribution to make to life and the world. We can be aware of our strengths and value them. The tree and the clouds are very different, but each has its own unique role and importance. This story truly teaches us to accept and respect differences rather than judge or compare them. I'm Lisa Hopkins. Stay safe and healthy, everyone. And remember to live in the moment.