'For the man is a tree in the field'

This sentence is taken from the fourth book of the Bible, Bamidbar (Numbers).

I have always loved this sentence. It touches me deeply.

When we look at a tree, we see the trunk, the branches, and the leaves. We know it has roots. Sometimes a few are visible, but most of them are hidden. They reach deep into the ground, holding the tree steady, supporting it, nourishing it.

Humans do not have physical roots that can be seen. We walk on the ground and move from place to place. Yet during meditation we are often invited to connect to our roots and imagine ourselves as trees sending roots down into the earth.

So what does this wise sentence from the Bible mean? How are we like a tree, and why does this image resonate so strongly?

We are all part of a family with many generations before us. These are our roots. This is where we can find courage, love, and belonging. It is also where we may encounter pain, hurt, or rejection.

Our roots are often the source of our behaviour, our patterns of thinking, our illnesses, or our relationship difficulties. Groundbreaking research has shown that trauma experienced by our grandparents or great grandparents can be carried down the genetic line and influence our behaviour and experiences in life. This is true even if we never knew our ancestors or had any knowledge of their trauma.

So if our roots influence our behaviour, what can we do? How can we allow our roots to nourish us so we can live a happy and fulfilled life?

I found my answer in Family Constellation work. It allowed me to represent my ancestors and discover their traumas. It allowed me to bring healing movements to my roots.

Restoring love, order, and balance in my family system helped me feel more grounded, more present, and more nourished, just like a tree in the field.