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The Oak Tree and the Bamboo Tree
(a wisdom story adapted from Aesop’s fables; it has its variants in Chinese proverbs and stories from Mediterranean cultures) Once upon a time, in a serene forest there stood a bamboo and a mighty oak tree standing side by side. The bamboo looked small and fragile in comparison to the oak tree’s strength and size. When the wind blew through the forest, the oak tree stood rigid and firm. However, the bamboo yielded, bent, and swayed with the wind. One summer, a very powerful storm struck the forest, unleashing lightning, torrential rain, and howling winds. The extreme winds broke the oak's branches, cracked its trunk, uprooting it and then crashing into the ground. However, the bamboo once again danced with the wind and was unharmed. After the storm passed, the curious animals of the forest asked the bamboo, “Why did the sturdy oak break and fall? We thought strength and size was an advantage as a defense against powerful storms.” The bamboo replied, “The oak tree may be strong and sturdy, but when a mighty storm comes, rigidity becomes weakness.” “You see, strength is not just about resisting,” the bamboo continued. “Sometimes strength lies in one’s ability to accept and welcome life’s storms and challenges with an open heart. It includes one’s ability to bend gracefully, to be flexible, to adapt and embrace change. Remember, bending with life’s winds doesn’t make you weak—it makes you resilient.” |
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REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What did you find to be the most important part of the story? What resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- What aspects of yourself do you find rigid, unyielding, and vulnerable to cracking & breaking?
- What aspects of yourself do you find flexible, and how might you grow and strengthen this attribute within yourself?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
SONGS
Singing in the Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
Through the Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
I Am the Calm (Lyrics/Chords)
The Peace in the Storm (Lyrics/Chords)
Rain Down On Me (Lyrics/Chords)
Our Tears Falling Down (Lyrics/Chords)
Your Mercy Like Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
Singing in the Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
Through the Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
I Am the Calm (Lyrics/Chords)
The Peace in the Storm (Lyrics/Chords)
Rain Down On Me (Lyrics/Chords)
Our Tears Falling Down (Lyrics/Chords)
Your Mercy Like Rain (Lyrics/Chords)
The Bamboo's Song:
Dance in the Wind (by Chaplain Donnel) Lyrics/Chords
V1. Our road is twisting and turning
Our ups and downs feel like we’re burning
Let’s find our strength, let’s find our power
Let’s take our time and live from hour to hour
BRIDGE
Here it comes, the howl of the storm
Here it comes, the wind will transform
Here it comes, there’s nowhere to hide
Here it comes, let’s go for a ride
CHORUS
Bend and dance in the wind
Sway and flow feel the change and know
2X
V2. Holding on tight will make us break
Open your heart for the light you take
Come and take courage, face the unknown
Come and step out of your comfort zone
[Back to BRIDGE & CHORUS]
Dance in the Wind (by Chaplain Donnel) Lyrics/Chords
V1. Our road is twisting and turning
Our ups and downs feel like we’re burning
Let’s find our strength, let’s find our power
Let’s take our time and live from hour to hour
BRIDGE
Here it comes, the howl of the storm
Here it comes, the wind will transform
Here it comes, there’s nowhere to hide
Here it comes, let’s go for a ride
CHORUS
Bend and dance in the wind
Sway and flow feel the change and know
2X
V2. Holding on tight will make us break
Open your heart for the light you take
Come and take courage, face the unknown
Come and step out of your comfort zone
[Back to BRIDGE & CHORUS]
