Hey Gents, this was a great thread to follow, I think Sean's on track - we need to always take stock of our selves, our perceptions and drama?s.
I believe tree people in general are prone to being over passionate and arrogant. It takes a unique individual who can do the stuff we do, we work the largest organisms on the planet. Any tree man (or lady) who is willing to do time on the ropes, time on the trees, develop business acumen, a scientific brain ? and all that goes with this kind of career path is by nature large of spirit.
To me an arborist is a modern day warrior; the greatest problem warrior?s face is managing the fighter within, knowing when to strike and when to pull back. Any of us who get through life without learning some surrender and humility never know self mastery and stay stuck in the void of the victim ? seesawing between the thug and the wimp.
We owe it to ourselves and the next generation to grow up, I am 40 this year and have grown up enough to admit that yes I?ve been the upstart, the thug, the whiner ? the victim and if I choose - let down myself by slipping back into the past.
As long as we need to prove ourselves, as long as we need to put others down, stand over people, be seen to be big in trees, big in life then what we are actually being is small because that is how we see ourselves. When someone comes along and pushes the button that reminds us of that we go into fight mode and all we do is validate our smallness, triggering more passion and more arrogance.
It was for me great to see you collectively work this drama out, gives me faith in this profession, and reminds me that together we can achieve much.
My utter regards Cassian?
Proud to be associated????????..
PS How do you put up a pic by your name....