I don’t “see” images well. How can I still use this tree prompt effectively in Stoic?

Use senses and words instead of pictures. Try this sequence: 1) Location: write 3 words about where your tree grows (e.g., cliff, meadow, city park). 2) Neighbors: list what’s near you (other trees, wildlife, people, empty space). 3) Roots: note what supports you (habits, people, values). 4) Weather: name a current stressor as the “weather” you’re facing. 5) Growth rings: jot one lesson you’ve gained this year. Keep each line short. The point isn’t perfect visualization—it’s noticing how solitude vs. togetherness shows up in your life and how you care for yourself in either setting.

What can this tree exercise reveal about my loneliness or need for community?

Where your tree grows often mirrors your needs. If you picture a lone tree, explore: Is this restful solitude or protective isolation? Write one benefit and one cost of being “alone.” If you picture a dense forest, ask: Do I feel nourished by connection or crowded by expectations? Write one way community supports you and one boundary you need. Close by choosing a small action aligned with your image—e.g., “Schedule one check‑in with a friend” (forest) or “Protect a quiet hour tonight” (lone tree).

How do I connect this prompt to work stress and fear of failure?

Translate the metaphor: 1) Terrain = workplace culture. 2) Weather = current pressure (deadlines, feedback). 3) Canopy = protections (skills, routines). 4) Roots = values that keep you steady. Journal a few lines under each. Then apply a Stoic lens: focus on what’s within your control (root care: break tasks, ask clarifying questions, rest) and note what’s not (weather: others’ opinions, market shifts). End with a one‑sentence commitment like, “Today I’ll water my roots by finishing the next small step.”

Journaling Idea - On the Tree of Life.

Close your eyes and imagine you were a tree. Where do you grow with other trees?

Are you a lone, singular tree or a member of a dense wood, all clustered together?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Zach Beauvais

Published on

Jun 21, 2023

Journal in Stoic

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Zach Beauvais

Writing & User Experience

Zach helps stoic design experiences for mental and emotional wellness, creating guided meditations, mindful walks, and journaling prompts rooted in Stoic philosophy. He also serves as Marketing Director at Cornell’s ILR School, where he helps leaders clarify their purpose and turn ideas into content that engages students, faculty, and collaborators. With over 15 years of experience in storytelling, community building, and content strategy, Zach brings both creativity and clarity to his work. Outside of writing and strategy, he enjoys photography, making coffee, and carving spoons, bowls, and cups from green wood.

Close your eyes and imagine you were a tree. Where do you grow with other trees?

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