No roots, only fruits please, and make it quick!

Is Life Rushing Past You?

Is life passing you by like the scenery through a super fast train’s window? Maybe it’s time to slow down and savor the flavors of life.

We belong to the “faster-than-light” generation. We want high-speed internet, fast careers, quick travel, quick money, effortless relationships, exotic holidays, and early retirement. We want growth without grounding—fruit without roots. We prefer hormone-induced, genetically-engineered outcomes that work on our timeline of “super fast and hundredfold,” rather than nature’s slow and steady process.

Rootedness: What Does It Mean Today?

“I have lived in this village all my life,” says the villager. “My forefathers lived here too. I was born here, I live here, and one day I will return to this earth. My home, land, hills, lakes, and animals are part of who I am—and I am part of them.”

To many of us, this level of rootedness feels foreign. We constantly move cities for better jobs, bigger homes, newer cars, and the latest phones. We trade everything for the next upgrade. As OLX says, “Bech De”—sell it off! And we obey gladly.

But does this rootless living rob us of something essential?

The “Run Away” Generation

Are we becoming a rootless generation—traveling the world yet belonging nowhere? Connected to countless people but emotionally distant from those who matter? Earning more but sleeping less? Posting picture-perfect family photos while internally battling stress and strife?

When life becomes difficult, do we stay and work things out—or do we instinctively run?

• Difficult colleague or boss? Quit.

• Issues with spouse? Separate instead of seeking help.

• Kids demanding attention? Send them for another activity.

• Someone’s life falling apart? Change the channel; look away.

   

Are goodbyes becoming our default response to relational difficulties?

Take Root to Bear Fruit

In nature, trees—real, non-hybrid ones—take decades to grow and bear fruit. But once rooted, they outlive generations. Children too spend nine months in the womb and years outside before becoming independent. Even a two-month premature birth, though appearing fine outwardly, means underdeveloped organs inside.

Everything valuable takes time.

• Learning a sport

• Mastering an instrument

• Training in classical dance or music

• Pursuing education

• Learning a profession—medicine, mechanics, or anything else

   

Growth requires deep roots and dedicated time. This is true for our work, our relationships, and our inner lives.

Premature Birth and Delayed Death

Then why are we forcing early excellence upon our children and ourselves? Why must every child be an Einstein or Da Vinci—or at least an IITian or IIM graduate? Why must every adult rush to be a CEO or VP?

We are chasing premature achievement and delayed aging.

“Drink this—your child will grow smarter.”
“Use this—your skin will stay young at forty.”

We dislike aging so much that anti-aging is becoming one of the world’s most profitable industries.

But consider the tree again:
Its age is its glory.
Each ring in its trunk tells a story.

If you are 40 or 60, let your body reflect the season. Let wisdom shine through your life. What is wrong with living your age?

Go Slow. Enjoy Life. Take Root.

Stop fast-forwarding your life and stop slowing down your body’s natural aging. Press “play.”

• Let life unfold.

• Fix what is broken instead of discarding it.

• Stay rooted in the season where you are planted.

• Take time to learn.

• Invest in relationships.

• Let children enjoy their childhood—and let yourself enjoy adulthood and aging.

• Reconnect with the people who matter.

• Put away the technology that connects you to distant acquaintances, and sit beside those you live with.

• Listen.

• See them with fresh eyes.

• Rediscover one another.

• Taste love and laughter again in your marriage, parenting, and friendships.

• Don’t gulp life like fast food.

• Prepare it like a full-course meal.

• Savor every flavor—bitter, sweet, sour, and spicy.

• Live fully—enjoy the present.