Coastal Redwood
The awe-inspiring Giant Sequoia can easily live in excess of 1,000 years. Absolutely the largest living thing on earth, Giant Sequoias have grown to 375'-that's taller than the Statue of Liberty, which stands 305' from base of pedestal to torch tip.
Although the entire root network of a large Sequoia can extend for acres horizontally, it is likely to remain within 3-6' of the surface. The majority of the Giant Sequoia's roots are actually tiny, threadlike feeder roots that spread from larger roots near the base of the tree. Even these "larger roots" are unlikely to be greater than 2-3' in diameter. For a living structure that stretches 250-300' into the air and weighs 12 million lbs, this is an astonishingly delicate foundation.
So how does the massive Sequoia, resting on flimsy feet rather than a strong foundation, manage to keep itself upright for thousands of years? The answer, remarkably, is balance.
To stay on its feet, the Sequoia strategically grows limbs in varying directions that allow it to stay balanced and grow straight. The limbs come horizontally from the trunk then turn upward. Arms extended, palms up ... creating a graceful, almost imperceptible, dance with space and time. An unlikely method, indeed -- but who can argue with the 1,000yr+ result?!
In times of turbulence and stress, the dance of the Giant Sequoia can inspire us to reconsider our customary responses and encourage us to try a new strategy or two as we continue our journey into happiness and well-being.
"The nonexistent is that which we have not sufficiently desired." - N. Kazantzakis
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