Pinyon Needle Scale Metaphor

The pinyon pine has an insect pest, the pinyon needle scale. It’s a tiny insect that hatches in the spring near the tree and moves to the previous year’s new foliage where it inserts itself into the needle to feed, thus severely damage the needle and robbing the overall health and vigor of the tree. The most effective control for this insect is dormant oil, applied in early spring.

We live and convert food to energy just like the tree. Stresses reduce our potential. For me, T’ai Chi Chih is like the dormant oil, helping control my stresses, and helping me be healthier and live a more fulfilling life.