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Hurdle #3: Rootlessness


The imagery of an air plant is a great way to look at rootlessness. Air plants adapt to the environment around them where they find themselves. Many air plants are rootless and are blown to and fro by the wind. The air plants that do have a root that shoots out, attaches itself to the tree or building it is sitting on, so it is not so easily blown away. Air plants receive its nutrients from the rain, air particles, and light to live.  

Rootlessness is having no basis of stability and is focused on what you lack. You encounter unexpected and unwanted things where you feel not in control. Simple tasks in a new place can cause you to feel rootless especially if you think you should know how to accomplish the task. Your fears and worries can become magnified or intensified. The lack of community and belonging, where you are known causes you to feel rootless.

 

What does stability look like for you? 

 

Gratitude is a wonderful stabilizer. 

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