Catalyst - First Edition June 2009 - Lessons From The Garden

Consider the dandelion. Reviled by many as an insistent, bothersome weed, it nevertheless contines to proudly display its pert, bright yellow self in lawns and gardens everywhere.
Thriving in the face of adversity.

Where, in our own lives, do we face adversity? How do we carry ourselves through it: head down, beating ourselves up, or feeling defensive and resentful? Or head up and face open, like the dandelion, sure of our intrinsic worthiness?

The garden teems with other such life lessons. As spring moves into summer, turn your awareness to the wise teachings of the garden. Even the humble pot plant can offer valuable lessons. Here are a few:

It's OK to be imperfect. Trying to grow the perfect rose, or the perfect cabbage, is an exhausting, never-ending quest for flawlessness. "Imperfect" roses are still beautiful and "imperfect" cabbages still burst with flavour. Same with us humans: with our myriad of imperfections, we still contribute our own beauty and zest to the world.

Pruning improves growth. Removing old habits that don't serve us clears the path, and opens new possibilities for growth in areas that do serve us.

Regular maintenance is important. Isn't it so much harder to clear an overgrown jungle of a garden than it is to regularly pull encroaching weeds? Think of the clutter that can accumulate, the extra pounds that are harder to lose than to keep off in the first place, the overwhelm or illness that can result from too little self-care.

Have faith. Plant a seed, water it, and trust that it will grow. Similarly, believe that the shifts you make in your life, the dreams you hold dear, will fully blossom if you nourish and protect them.

Don't be afraid to try new approaches. The garden is a great laboratory for experimentation. What new approaches might you take to those old problems in your life? Trial and error is one of life's best teachers.

Be aware of predators. It doesn't take long for predators to damage the results of your careful cultivation- in the garden and in life. What toxic relationships, substances and emotions are feeding on your energy- and taking away from what you have to give to others? Strive to eliminate them.

Transform your rubbish. The compost heap turns rotting plant waste into a treasure pile of rich, organic fertilizer. What negative patterns in your life can you work to transform? When we do the hard work of breaking down these patterns, the results often prove rich and beneficial.

Everyone is unique and needed. Everything in nature has a function that is interdependent- from bug, to bird and bee, even bacteria in the soil. All occupy a vital place in the life cycle. What do you contribute, what's your gift to the world? Who do you depend on; who depends on you?

Something important happens every day. Take the time to notice the little everyday miracles in nature, in your garden, in your life.