"我们不是“进入”这个世界，而是从这个世界出来，就像树叶从树上长出来一样。"

Imagine you're sitting under a big, old tree, enjoying the shade and watching the leaves flutter in the breeze. Every leaf on that tree is connected to it—they're a part of it. That's what this quote is getting at. We aren't just dropped into the world from somewhere else. We're born from it, an intrinsic part of it, just like those leaves are part of the tree.

The idea here is all about our deep connection to the world around us. We often think of ourselves as separate entities, individuals who come into the world and then interact with it. But really, we're more like those leaves. We grow out of the world, nurtured by it, and we're an essential part of its fabric.

This concept has roots in various philosophies and ways of thinking, stretching back to ancient times. For instance, in Eastern philosophies like Taoism or Buddhism, there's a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things. The idea is that everything is part of a larger whole, and nothing truly exists in isolation. When Alan Watts, a British philosopher known for popularizing Eastern philosophies in the West, spoke these words, he intended to shift our perspective. He wanted us to see ourselves not as isolated beings but as integral parts of the universe.

Let's bring this idea into a real-life scenario. Think about a community garden. In this garden, every plant, every insect, even the soil itself, plays a role. The plants grow from the soil, which contains nutrients from decomposed organic matter. Insects pollinate the flowers and help with the growth process. It's a self-sustaining cycle where everything is interconnected. If you were to remove one element, say the bees, the entire system would struggle. The plants wouldn't get pollinated, and the garden's health would decline. In the same way, we grow from our environment and are deeply intertwined with it.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your daily life? Start by recognizing and appreciating your connection to the world around you. Spend time in nature and observe how everything is connected. When you realize that you’re a part of this larger system, it becomes easier to feel a sense of responsibility for the environment and your community. It’s not just about taking care of nature because it’s the right thing to do; it’s about understanding that you're taking care of yourself too.

Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Everyone's there: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Each person is like a leaf on your family tree. You're not just there as an individual—you’re part of something bigger. The stories, the laughter, even the occasional arguments, they all contribute to the family’s history and future. When you think about it this way, you start to see the importance of your role and how you’re connected to every other person in that room.

This perspective can change how you interact with people. Instead of seeing others as separate and distinct from you, you begin to see the connections. Maybe you become more compassionate, more understanding, because you recognize that we're all leaves from the same tree, all part of the same world.

So next time you're feeling isolated or disconnected, remember that tree. Remember the leaves. You're not just in this world—you're of this world, growing out of it, deeply connected to everything around you.