The connection between braids, trees, and Toxic people...

Let's see life through the eyes of a tree. Trees keep the air clean. Trees suck carbon dioxide out of the air and release oxygen. Carbon dioxide is a gas that consists of two parts (one part oxygen and the other part carbon). It is one of the most important gases on earth because plants use it to produce carbohydrates in photosynthesis. Seeing that we need plants for food, photosynthesis is necessary for the survival of life on earth. If trees suck carbon dioxide out of the air, why would we take toxicity from people in our environment?

I have enjoyed a week in which I have had the opportunity to connect with many people. People of different ethnicities, sexuality, age, gender, and different economic origins.

As I was on the plane, I saw these beautiful braids that a young lady had, and you might ask me what is the connection between trees and the braids of a woman and toxicity? (there is a lot in common, and I'll explain why)

The humble activity of braiding one's hair or your own can serve as an eye-opening way to find joy and even heal emotional wounds. Hair braiding, for instance, is one of the most common worldwide beauty and self-care practices, also happens to be deeply therapeutic. The manual, repetitive pattern—over and under, up and down—in itself is a sort of tactile mantra focused on bringing something together rather than taking it apart.

NOW, LET'S BRING ALL THIS TOGETHER NOW!!!

“In Mexico, the indigenous tribes say that you should always tie your hair so that your thoughts are not scattered.” Also, realize that when we clean the house, we tend to put our hair up, or if it's short, we will find a way to have it out of our faces as a sign of order to focus and be relaxed in what we are doing.

Spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood. Numerous studies show that both exercising in forests and simply sitting at trees reduces blood pressure and the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Now let me bring in some facts about toxic people:

(FACT 1) Toxic people's behavior will bring you down to their level. You will become bitter and angry and will spread their toxicity to everyone you come in contact with. ... Toxic behavior is like a contagious virus that spreads like wildfire.

(Fact 2) Toxic people might change, but it's unlikely. What is real is that nothing anyone else does can change them. There will likely be broken people, broken hearts, and broken relationships around them – and they always blame someone else for there 'faults.

(Fact 3)

Let's look at 7 signs of a toxic person and what happens to you when you are around them:

• You're left feeling emotionally exhausted after an encounter with them. ...

• They try to intimidate you to get their way. ...

• They try to control you by guilt-tripping. ...

• They are easily jealous. ...

• They constantly see themselves as a victim. ...

• They give backhanded compliments. ...

• They're overly defensive.

Now, why would anyone want to go against nature? Let's look at what happens to us when we do something like braiding and caring for our hair. Nature in itself is telling us that we are here on this earth to live a life of peace and tranquility even in the midst of trials, hurt, pain, heartbreak, loneliness, accidents, health issues, poverty, and even death.

"I wonder how peaceful we would all be if we would be able to release oxygen, but in the form of positivity, forgiveness, benevolence, kindness, understanding, and giving happiness to all those in need, in the same way that trees give us oxygen. I wish we could give the oxygen of kindness to everyone around us. Give good vibes, good answers, good attitudes, a great level of empathy for others, and forgiveness in general."

Forgiveness is not for them,

(REMEMBER)

Forgiveness is for ourselves.

By Mitzy Coreano

5/5/2021