I came across this quote while researching and reading about psychological concepts of self esteem, self worth, self image and ideal self. I thought the metaphor beautifully encapsulated some of the thinking that underpins Forest Schools...
Carl Rogers, humanistic psychologist suggests that:
“For a person to ‘grow’, they need an environment that provides them with genuineness (openness and self-disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), and empathy (being listened to and understood). Without these, relationships and healthy personalities will not develop as they should, much like a tree will not grow without sunlight and water...Like a flower that will grow to its full potential if the conditions are right…so people will flourish and reach their potential if their ‘environment’ is good enough”
(Sean McLeod www.simplypsychology.org)
