Boost your Positive Intelligence. Build core mental fitness skills.

Aspen Connection

Did you know aspens are connected as a single living organism? They have a complex root system that connects each aspen to the other. While they look like individual trees, they’re not. They’re clones because each tree is a genetic replicate of the other. When you see a grove of aspens, you’re not looking at individual trees but one tree. I call it the “aspen connection.”

We’re trees too. Bound by a root system that connects each of us to each other. I’m a tree. You’re a tree. But we’re both aspens. Doesn’t mean we’re the same but we come from the same source. We call it God, Source, the Universe.

Collective Beauty

In our individualist society, we cringe being seen as replicas. We want to be unique. Distinct. How can we shine otherwise? Aspens show us the beauty represented in the collective. When you see a grove of aspens, you don’t identify with one aspen. You absorb their impact as a group.

What a gift to be tethered to each other and to something greater than us, overseeing all of it – humanity, nature, animals, and insects. It means we are connected. We belong.

As social animals, we crave connection. Whether introvert or extrovert, humans yearn for it. It’s why we form groups. Families, communities, cities, nations. The need for connection compels us to reach out, to communicate. I heard in a podcast over the summer that there’s a theory that’s how language first developed – mothers wanting to talk to their babies. Makes sense to me.

We want to connect to feel a sense of belonging. It is vitally important to feel part of a group. Those who aren’t, whom we call outcasts in our society, feel that separation keenly. All you need to do is walk down a street downtown and see the consequences of not being part of “the group.” People give a wide berth to homeless people or drug addicts. So speaking with others and sharing hugs, they’re not nice-to-haves. They’re necessary for connection and belonging.

Macro to Micro

Moving from the societal level to the personal, what does it mean to be an aspen? Or to not recognize oneself as an aspen?

As an aspen, I see the importance of connecting my mind, body, heart, and spirit. This knitting together makes me whole. It’s my root system.

In fact, my body isn’t that important in the scheme of things because I am part of the aspen grove. I still take care of my body but on a bigger scale, it’s just “show.” Like the gorgeous yellow fall leaves of the aspen.

My mind soaks up nutrients from thinkers before me. Thoughts create new roots that strengthen me and, by extension, the aspen grove.

Emotions rule the heart. With our interconnected roots, when I am hurt, we are all hurt. Empathy happens when I recognize someone is hurting and this gets transferred through the root system.

Spirit connects me to the larger whole. We are one. The aspen grove provides the visual image of our oneness with Spirit.

Header Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash (grove), Photo by Peng Chen on Unsplash (tree trunks), Photo by Nicole Giampietro on Unsplash (trees facing sky), Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash (big grove with tons of trees)

Aspens remind us we’re connected, as individuals, groups, and societies. Next time you feel disconnected, remember, you’re an aspen.

You have to be open minded in order to grow. The coaching that Laura gave me opened my eyes to what and how I was doing things and allowed me to see the bigger picture. I am not done yet but I already see the changes in my everyday life.

MM

I think coaching is a great way to help you clear your mind when you get stuck with overwhelming situations or when stepping into changes in your life.

MO

Coaching is life changing. It pushes you outside your comfort zone and challenges your perspectives.  It is highly motivating and the exercises and techniques used are both fun and informative.  I think the main benefits of coaching are to see yourself, others and the world more clearly.  I think coaching is valuable to anyone regardless of where you are in your life or career.

LE

I honestly never thought I’d need a coach. I thought coaching was for CEOs and industry VIPs. I didn’t think it was for the “little guys” (i.e. me). Now, I’m of the belief that everyone – yes, EVERYONE – needs a coach. Coaching has really benefitted me and I’m so grateful to have had that time with Laura. It’s changed my life!

VB

Laura is very patient. She took the time to understand what was causing me to be stuck where I am today and help me build a better vision so I can continue to grow.

MM

I think Laura’s coaching was what I had been waiting for. Laura was so approachable, kind, and open. Her willingness to help and support made a difference for me. I found in her coaching new strategies, ideas, and perspectives that I could incorporate into my goals and objectives that I didn’t see before.

MO

Laura is an incredibly intuitive, positive and caring coach. Her techniques helped me recognize both my strengths and areas I might want to explore as I embark on the next chapter of my career. The exercises she employed were instrumental in providing self perspective and challenging my frames of reference.

LE

Laura is a natural coach. Her probing and compassionate questions helped me learn about myself: my value system, interests, goals and strengths.

LM

Coaching sessions with Laura gave me new perspectives on how to process specific feelings and situations in life.  She showed me how to sit with my emotions, acknowledge them, and then use visualization strategies to move through them.  I now feel more confident and in control of how I choose to walk through life.

CP

From the beginning, Laura put me at ease, creating a safe, open space for me to talk and share freely without fear of judgement. I loved the variety of approaches she used depending on the topic we were working on and it was fun being able to try out things I wouldn’t have considered before! With Laura’s coaching, I substantially grew my confidence in the workplace, overcame fears, dealt with issues I’d been carrying around for many years and, most importantly, learned to value myself and define a path forward into the future.

AG

Laura’s coaching was a breath of fresh air and EXACTLY what I needed at that point of my life. I didn’t realize how impactful coaching was going to be, but by the end of the sessions together, I left feeling refreshed, inspired and genuinely curious about what my future held for me. Because of Laura and her coaching, I believe I became a better person – someone who is more open-minded, someone with a clearer focus, and someone who is willing to explore opportunities and possibilities far more than I ever did before.

VB

I engaged Laura for coaching as I took on an expanded role leading an asset management company in Canada. As a female, I knew I would be a role model and had high expectations of myself. I was feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

In our first few coaching sessions we worked through exercises that allowed me to reflect on my purpose, leadership style and what mattered most to me. I continue to be grounded by the clarity I achieve in my coaching sessions – allowing me to be resilient and confident when challenges came my way.

OS