I never really got into the Guardians of the Galaxy comics, simply because I’m very loyal to my favorite super teams. Groot in the comics is an interesting character but I did not come to appreciate him until the movies. He is so much more than the comics make him out to be but at the same time he’s so simple. I think it is his simplicity that I like most. He keeps his words and actions simple which in our hectic lives can make things a lot easier. Like most spiritual practices the simplest practice is the best.

Know Yourself

“I am Groot!” - Groot*

In a far-off region of space is Planet X where the Flora Colossi, a race of plant like beings live. Groot is a Flora Colossus. Like all Colossi Groot’s body is a living tree. Because of the stiffness of his body and throat it is difficult to understand the delicate details of his language. All we can comprehend is the phrase, “I am Groot.” But Groot has a genius level intelligence. Because Groot defended a slave he was banished from Planet X. Through a series of events he became the sole survivor of the Flora Colossi. While battling the Kree, Groot met Rocket Raccoon and Star-Lord. Eventually Groot, Rocket, Star-Lord, Gamora and Drax the Destroyer became the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Ding Ming-Dao wrote, “to simply be ourselves is the greatest challenge but the simplest spiritual technique.” William Shakespeare wrote in the play, Hamlet, “To thine own self be true.” To grow spiritually it is important to know one’s self. In knowing the inner workings of our body, heart and soul we are able to become the person we are meant to be. In his pamphlet, Your Heart’s Desire, Emmet Fox writes, “God Himself has whispered into your heart just that very wonderful thing, whatever it is, that He is wishing you to be, and to do, and to have. And that wonderful thing is nothing less than what is called Your Heart's Desire.” If we did not wholly know ourselves how would we ever know our heart’s desire? Today spend some time getting to know yourself.

Groot
First Appearance: Tales to Astonish #13 (November 1960), Marvel Comics

Creators: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers

* “Guardians of the Galaxy”, Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios, July 21, 2014, voiced by Vin Diesel