Gardening the Soul

I am not a natural gardener. I am impatient and love instant results, which is why abstract art and cooking appeal to me so much! The zen mode of gardening often eludes me, but today, the weeds couldn’t wait any longer! So, I decided to change my mindset as I tackled the overgrown garden. As I cut and pulled, I reflected on what in my life could be removed to create more space for growth.

The dead flower heads reminded me of how they once embodied beauty and joy, providing fragrance and nourishment for bees and insects. Now, brown and shriveled, they had lost their charm and purpose. Chopping off these browned heads felt callous, but it made me think about how this mirrors many aspects of life, including our relationships with people.

How we treat others during times of change or when a relationship has run its course is crucial. Being considerate and kind only when it suits us is not truly honorable. This doesn’t mean avoiding boundaries or speaking our truth, but rather not discarding the feelings of ourselves and others. It’s important to honor what each person has brought into our lives in terms of growth.

When people age, it can seem as though they are discarded or treated as lesser. But if we consider how much we all learn along the way—every one of us experiencing heartache, grief, pain, love, and joy to varying degrees—we see that we are all like flowers, plants, and trees. We grow differently and thrive and survive in our own unique ways. Honoring the life path of others and how they choose to walk it allows for their experiences and knowledge to not be simply discarded. It can be sown and woven, enriching growth for others.

The old adage, “treat others the way you would like to be treated,” may be overused, but if we remind ourselves that we are all fallible beings, living by this principle can create a more supportive and interconnected world. The meadows and forests of life can flourish through the mutual respect and understanding we gain from knowing each other.