To the panicked fellow, a tree swaying in the wind may seem like a frail flower being thrown about by driving gales. Its tilts appear as bends. Its gentle nod becomes a sharp, violent twist. This is particularly pertinent when his home rests near the tree. For all he knows, that mighty tree could drive itself upon his house and destroy all that he owns. In slow-motion he watches as the tree rocks back and forth, ever closer to that which he depends. In slow-motion he sees as nature taunts his anxiety.
But the tree will never fall. Though it appears as such to him, it is but swaying in the wind. Acquiescing to the gentle requests of dear Aeolus. Yet he is panic struck in spite of the calm nature in which it flows.
In times like these it is important to step back for but a moment and realize how preposterous we are. How supremely unserious we are, and how supremely seriously we treat things. To live a good life is to have a sense of humor and to recognize how ridiculous we all are. We perceive small shifts as broad leaps, but that is simply incorrect. If we do not have faith that things will turn out well, we will rapidly find ourselves anxious over the silliest of matters; we will rapidly find ourselves becoming nervous persons. We must realize who we truly are and have a degree of self-awareness. Without that, we are but the panicked man, frightened at nothing but the swaying tree.
