My new solitary life has in some ways seemed like a medication prescribed by a doctor to heal things that were “not quite right” in my psyche. Like any medication, side effects are common; the most common side effects I’ve experienced so far have been an occasional twinge of loneliness and an uncontrollable excess of thought.
Whenever I am feeling unmoored, I naturally return to the books and memories that have resonated in me throughout my life, searching for new insights or drawing familiar comfort from things that have already proved valuable.
As I was endlessly raking and cleaning the land last week, I could not stop thinking of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery, one of my favorite books (and for the record, only the Katherine Woods English-language translation from the original French passes muster with me. Don’t even talk to me about the new one). This illustration, in particular, would not leave my mind:
This illustration is from a part of the book in which the Little Prince is describing the danger in not carefully tending to his planet to rid it of the dangerous Baobab seed before it has a chance to grow into a big tree with huge, damaging roots. While the Baobab is young, it is easy to tend to and remove, but the longer one allows the Baobab to grow, the more dangerous it becomes. Here is what could happen if one is lazy and allows the Baobabs to grow unchecked:
This lesson is a new one for me. My Baobabs have always been ignored or unnoticed, growing larger and larger until they have finally split my planet apart. How many of my love relationships have been doomed by the quiet roots of the Baobab growing? By the jealousy, the resentment, the little slights I don’t mention until it’s too late, until my love has died?
As I raked, pulled weeds, and carted away dead palm fronds , I found myself strangely comforted by the work. My care for the land was tangible, and at the end of the day I stood and looked at what I had done and thought: “Nope, no Baobabs here.”
Now that I fully understand the risks, I mean to skirt the danger of the Baobab forever. Don’t forget to mind your Baobabs, too, friends.
what a great analogy! I always enjoy your writing.
By: Leasa on December 15, 2009
at 8:55 pm
Great personal insight.
By: islagringo on December 15, 2009
at 9:09 pm
Awesome insights, the power of a book, you never know how something seemingly simple can impact your life!!
By: Jackie on December 15, 2009
at 10:14 pm
That really gives me something to think about. Thanks Heather.
By: jeanie on December 15, 2009
at 10:26 pm
Wonderful piece, Heather! I can relate to your dynamic, I go through it all the time. On one hand, I do try to be an easy-going, low-maintenance person … humble in the best senses of the word … but so many times I think that just enables other people to ignore me or take me for granted. I need to work on that.
Still, there is the false sense of permanence in The Little Prince’s mindset. Would life in the baobab trees be all that bad? If The Little Prince weren’t there, wouldn’t a baobab planet be the natural order of things?
Yes, I tend to parse in the most annoying and inconvenient ways.
Thank you for having the courage to share your thoughts and struggles with us, and in such compelling, entertaining ways. You are loved!
By: Martha on December 16, 2009
at 7:33 am
Perfectly said. I am glad that you are down here now. Working on land and with the Earth does give you a reconnection that is really nice. I always like the part of the day when you sit back and can say…”look at what I have done.”
By: Mindy on December 16, 2009
at 8:30 am
wow…parallel…thanks.
By: Elizabeth Hunter on December 16, 2009
at 10:06 am
I love the way you write, Heather, and I know that you will always have a sense of satisfaction with whatever job you do!
By: darla on December 16, 2009
at 11:16 am
Now that I can compare one long term relationship to another my biggest Baobab in the first one has been lack of communication. I used to tell people that I’m sort of an introvert but I now know I’m not. All I need is a gentle shove every now and then to speak my mind. And I do get those shoves every now and then if I’m forgetting to tend to my Baobab. But mostly I try to tend to my Baobab properly myself, and if I do say so myself: I’m getting better at it. (-;
I should probably actually read The Little Prince…
By: TeeZet on December 16, 2009
at 12:25 pm
“Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop wood carry water.”
By: jillian on December 16, 2009
at 1:07 pm
See I like the crazy, fun look of the grown Baobab. It may not be easy to maintain but it can give you some of the things you need. Same goes for me, I may be a little crazy (ok a lot), quite possibly hard to maintain, but in the end I also may be the person that can give someone everything they needed and more.
Plus I didn’t have to do all the extra back breaking work
By: teetle on December 16, 2009
at 2:03 pm
aww……my child wrote this….I am too proud!!!Sh ejust gave me some great insights too!
And Teetle you just really really cracked me up!!!!!
By: mommy dearest on December 16, 2009
at 8:56 pm
Sage advice, Heather. Thank you.
Oh, and welcome back. We missed you, Hon. XOXOX
By: James on December 19, 2009
at 6:48 am