Pulling Weeds

My family and I have just returned from two back-to-back family reunion events. Although these events celebrated my heart, my garden beds appear to have celebrated in their own way! (A weed party) There were sections where I struggled to discover which plants were the vegetables and which ones were the weeds. Granted, I anticipated this, but observing how rapid weeds grow, this never ceases to amaze me.

What I haven’t told you (but am about to), is that I secretly love tending to my garden, weeds and all. Why? It’s a welcomed solemn quiet practice, often experienced early in the morning just prior to the heat of the day. Perhaps it’s the mindfulness of each movement, or the call for my full and complete presence during each process of gardening.

You see, there is an art in tending to a garden, an almost spiritual practice. I like the routine of it and I love the results of it! I spent some time this week pulling weeds. Pulling weeds became a symbolic gesture of clearing the path toward a desired direction.

The process of removing weeds is called harvesting.

So … what is it that I’m wanting to create and to grow?

There is the obvious, “Silly! I want to grow precisely what I’ve planted!” Yet, each year I harvest vegetables planted years ago, but have somehow decided to grow this season. I often get a surprise too, a hybrid tomato plant that grew too close to a pepper plant resulting in a deliciously spicy red/green tomato. These are also lovely gifts from my garden boxes.

I’ll spend the majority of this summer tending to my garden, pulling out weeds and clearing pathways of growth. I’ll nurture the results of my labor with nutrients and proper amounts of water. I’ll talk to them and encourage their progress. I love this part of gardening.

As my thoughts become grounded while my hands dig deep into the soil, I discover that the rest of my mind and body are following the examples of plants within my garden. I’m slowly manifesting my thoughts and desires into something more tangible and real; and yet, it takes time and nurturing. 

So … what is it that I’m wanting to create and to grow? What are you clearing and creating space for to harvest? 

I guess we’ll discover that together!

Looking forward to seeing you at my day retreat and weekend retreat offerings.