In this episode, I talk about why bamboos don't break and the problem with self-help. Self-help tends to focus on the visible stalk but character formation asks a deeper question.

TO REFLECT, JOURNAL ABOUT & TALK WITH YOUR FRIENDS

• Who is doing the work underground, in the part of you that nobody applauds but where your choice matters the most. Are you allowing that work to happen?
• The wind will not skip you. What will hold you when it comes? Who is holding you now?

ROOT CHECK

• Where in your life right now are you focused on the visible stalk - managing how things look, rather than on the roots - who you actually are becoming when no one is watching?

• Who are the people you are rooted with just like the bamboo groves, the ones whose lives are quietly tangled up with yours, who will help you stand when the wind comes? Or are you standing alone?

Mentioned: The Chesed Gathering

Useful Links:

• ⁠The Iman Diaries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHOLE | Life Counseling Ministry⁠⁠⁠
• Book your counseling sessions⁠⁠⁠

Music Credits

• Alex Jauk for distant bell ringing
• Breakz Studios for the piano

PARTICIPATE IN THIS PODCAST

This is not a podcast where you only listen. This podcast is also yours. I am inviting you to write to me. If you have a story of how you have changed, a question that has been sitting unanswered or that weighs heavy on your mind, or a doubt you have been afraid to say out loud, this podcast has a place for it. Send it in. Here's the link to submit your letter. You can also email it to help@emmylouiman.com, or choose to leave a comment on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ or ⁠Amazon Music⁠.

© Copyright 2026 | Emmylou F. Iman