The walking palm tree (Socratea Exhorriza) is amazing. It is found in Central America, and captivated Beck when he and his wife lived in Costa Rica running a retreat centre. This tree is capable of growing new roots, and once those are established, letting its old roots die – effectively moving – or “walking” – the entire tree along the forest floor. The dominant theory is that in its rainforest environment there is regular and dramatic changes in. If a branch falls on the roots of this tree, or a patch of sun opens up the canopy, the ability to grown new roots and shed the old ones allows it to survive amongst its completion.
This incredible organism represents the philosophy of Socratex perfectly: roots are very real and very deep – but when they hold you back, you can make new ones and shed the ones that no longer serve you. We believe that everyone’s values and views around the dimensions of diversity are roots – it makes sense that we have them, we can be grateful for them getting us this far, but when they hold us back…we can move.