Shortly after writing last week’s post talking about the two aspects of commitment (vision + action), I received a link to a truly incredible story told in a 15-minute video.
The story is about a man in Northeastern India who, over the span of 30+ years, planted an entire forest.
His forest is now home to elephants, deer, and even Bengal tigers. A particular species of vulture that has not been seen on the river island where he planted his forest, has began to return after 40 years of absence.
It is a remarkable and, for me, very touching story.
His love for, and devotion to, his forest shines so bright.
And, it is all so very vulnerable. He speaks plainly about the dangers facing his forest – from the harvesting of the trees for profit to the poaching of the animals that now call his forest Home.
And yet, every day he walks back out into the forest to plant still more trees, to help his forest continue to grow and thrive.
The benefits of his actions have been acknowledged.
The river island where he lives is slowly being eroded away by floods.
The planting of the trees is countering that erosion and he has been showered with accolades and awards by the government and various other organizations.
However, the awards have not been backed up with action on the part of the government. It is obvious that without his message of how the planting of trees benefit both humans and animals being heard and acted upon, the accolades are meaningless to him.
This story beautifully demonstrates how concrete, daily actions can bring a vision for a better world into reality.
He is living his vision, despite the very real dangers posed to his forest, despite the pain he would have to face if his forest were to be harvested or his animals poached. And, he continues to plant tree after tree despite the lack of concrete support from those in power around him.
This story demonstrates that rare and powerful combination of strength and vulnerability; of committed heart and committed action.
For you:
Here is a link to the full video. What comes up for you around the concepts of commitment, vision, and vulnerability as you watch?
What ‘serious, active’ steps (whether great or small) are you taking to make your life and the world a better place?
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