The Redwood Mindset: Cultivating Balance in Messy Times

“Contemplation happens when silence morphs into presence.” —  Thomas Keating

Imagine standing in a redwood forest. At first, all you notice is the absence of noise — no traffic, no chatter, no digital pings. This is silence. But as you remain still, something shifts. You begin to feel your heart settle, you hear the whisper of the wind through the branches and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot. When you inhale the forest’s subtle fragrance, you feel your energy lift. A sense of peace washes over you. This heightened awareness offers a feeling of being fully immersed in the moment. This is presence.

Suddenly, you become aware of the towering giants surrounding you, their branches stretching in all directions. Among these ancient trees, you feel both insignificant and deeply connected to something greater than yourself. It’s as if you’ve tapped into the ancient wisdom of the forest, becoming one with a vast, interconnected ecosystem that has existed for millennia.

In stark contrast to the serenity of the redwood forest, our daily lives are often filled with constant noise and distraction. We face a relentless stream of information, much of it misleading, that can leave us feeling anxious and disconnected. For longer than I’d like to admit, I’ve grappled with feelings of being trapped in a world spinning out of control. As I’ve opened up about these struggles, I’ve discovered I’m not alone. It’s revealing that my recent conversations with friends inevitably turn to shared feelings of fear and uncertainty. We all contend with the same questions:

How do we maintain balance and strengthen resilience during these increasingly polarizing times?

What practices can we develop to better cope with our anxieties and frustrations?

For me, part of the answer lies in unplugging and spending time in nature’s restorative embrace, particularly within the sanctuary of an old redwood forest. Living in Marin County, I’m blessed with this opportunity. I’m surrounded by coastal redwoods and giant sequoias that flourish despite the harsh conditions of their habitat. Soaring up to 375 feet skyward, these majestic giants offer profound lessons in stability, resilience and fortitude. Through raging storms, howling winds and even devastating fires, they endure — silent sentinels standing tall against the chaos of the world.

Consider this: A forest fire could ravage an entire woodland, yet a redwood would survive. The tree’s bark contains a natural fire retardant, allowing it to withstand intense heat. Even if a fire hollows out a redwood, it can regrow from within, filling in the frame of its bark. And if a redwood falls, it can still grow shoots and branches, potentially seeding new trees.

Here’s the crux: In these messy times, we can learn to withstand “global fires” and persevere through upheaval by drawing inspiration from the ever-adapting redwoods. Like these enduring giants, we can develop deep roots through strong connections with family, friends and community. We can build emotional resilience through self-care, navigating emotions skillfully, grieving losses and seeking quiet contemplation. Just as these redwoods sustain and are sustained by their entire ecosystem, we can embrace interconnectedness in our lives, bridging differences and developing a shared resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Much as these ancient trees have adapted for ages, it’s possible to let go of old habits and embrace new ways of being. Instead of perceiving change as a threat to our comfort, identity, or security (spiraling into negativity and reactivity!), we can reframe it as an opportunity for growth and unforeseen discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. Focusing on living as our best selves becomes possible. 

The answers to our initial questions now emerge. We move beyond asking “How to?” and respond by embodying qualities supporting both inner and outer peace. Like redwoods shedding lower branches, we learn to let go of what we cannot control. Instead, we turn towards nurturing goodness and compassion, persistently transforming ourselves from within, much like a redwood after a forest fire. 

After all, we need only look around us in a redwood forest to witness this wisdom in action. The towering trees, the vibrant undergrowth, the intricate ecosystem — all offer a living testament to resilience, interdependence and the beauty of diversity. 

This is the transformation we seek. As Thomas Keating observed, ‘Contemplation happens when silence morphs into presence.’ In this metamorphosis, our sense of self recedes, allowing full receptivity to what emerges. We become attuned to a profound connection with ourselves, the world around us and the greater tapestry of life, while acknowledging a sense of gratitude for the life we have.

To explore further, consider integrating these 4 tips below. Remember to take what resonates with you and leave what doesn’t.