Thriving

"One of the most dramatic manifestations of the life force is seen in the plant kingdom.   When times are harsh, certain plants become spores.   These plants dampen down and wall off their life force in order to survive.  It is an effective strategy.
      When no one listens, children form spores.  In an environment hostile to their uniqueness, when they are judged, criticized and reshaped through approval into what is wanted rather then supported and allowed to develop naturally into who they are, children wall the unloved parts of themselves away.   But a spore is a survival strategy, not a way of life.   Spores do not grow.  They endure.   What you need to do to survive  may be very different from what you need to do to live."  Rachel Naomi Remen