A lesson from a bonsai

There’s a certain art to pruning a bonsai plant.

I honestly don’t know anything about it beyond that it takes time, patience, and dedication to the craft. The videos that I like viewing the most have to do with restoration and modification.

They’re relaxing and almost hypnotic in the process.

It starts with a ratty-looking plant that’s been neglected. Gnarled roots protrude from the patchwork of rock and exposed, dry dirt. The moss that once covered the base fell away long ago. Extra branches distort the shape, blocking interior sections from thriving. The color of the tiny tree looks off. Browns and greys and greens all jumbled together from one part of the plant to the other.

A tiny pair of shears pops into the frame, and the magic begins.

Over the time lapse montage, snips and adjustments rapidly morph the bonsai plant back to former glory.

• a small knife slicing away some of the bark

• chemicals to shift the color (without harming the plant itself, just aesthetics)

• modifications here and there such as wire used to force some of the branches into one direction or another

At the end, you get a satisfying before/after look at the result. The happy little tree is restored to a pleasant, healthy shape with a balanced, Zen-like presentation in form, function, and palette.

Our cultural heritage needs that kind of attention and care even as we form our unique identity. The two are connected to each other, the Ying and the Yang to a more fulfilling and rich existence.

A Generational Challenge

As I mentioned in previous posts, I went through the struggle of determining this for myself. My children will certainly have their own unique journeys. They are both mentally and physically the embodiment of two, and perhaps three, distinct cultures.

You could say they’re little bonsai plants currently in the growth stage as they draw their strength through their roots from the soil of different cultures they can claim for their own. At some point, they’ll start their own pruning process:

• What does it mean to be an American?

• What does it mean to have German and Scottish cultural roots?

• What does it mean to have Chinese and Taiwanese cultural roots?

Whatever they decide, it will affect their identities and the cultural activities they contribute to and gravitate towards.

Your interests in your roots tend to shift and change with each season of life.

I remember each round of this process…Every time I visited my relatives in Taiwan, I reflected on my roots and made a few changes. At each point, I chose to observe both sides of my cultural heritage. Now as an adult, I embody it in the form of speaking and texting the language of my parents, teaching it on Sundays, and practicing (hopefully teaching more) Tai Chi.

I’m doing my best to pass this sense of uniqueness to my kids, but for now, they’re more interested in Mario, monster trucks, and mommy. It’s important to have a happy childhood as part of your foundation. What’s the point of living if you don’t get to have fun?

Someday, this digital heirloom that I’m building will be here to help guide them when the time comes.

Now that I look at them, they do need another haircut. My oldest is looking like a mop.

I kinda miss having that kind of hair. Ah well…

Today’s reflective exercise brought to you by the letter “I”

So here’s something to tinker with for you, a “cultural connection” exercise:

1. List out all the cultural connections you currently have and associate with.

2. On a separate sheet of paper, write each as a heading at the top.

3. Under each heading, list traditions, events, or holidays that you’ve participated in.

4. Circle the ones you want to continue and cross out all the ones you don’t.

5. For each of the ones you circle, write a sentence or two about why you kept them.

6. Do the same for the ones you crossed out.

7. Of the ones you circled, put a star next to the ones that you want to pass to the next generation.

All of mine are mapped out already in this way, and if you’ve read this far, you most likely will have an easier time of this now since I’ve provided examples from my own experiences.

It’s ok if it feels bit weird. I know I’ve mentioned this in previous entries, but these things probably haven’t been explored to the depth that you’re doing now. All new things feel awkward, but it’s your decision to push through that period that makes all the difference.

If you care to share what you’ve come up with, let me know in the comments below!