Cultivating a Garden of Hope

another meditation journey

November 2018 - Journey with Elephant

What seeds can I plant?

Panther walks stealthily through the jungle and reminds me that it’s not only what seeds I plant, but how I plant them. I watched her slink like a shadow, weaving camouflaged between trees.

Sometimes you must plant seeds with stealth.

Study those around you and learn about your cultural terrain. What needs must be met to create an environment that will make people feel safe enough to listen and learn? You must learn to speak the language and understand the needs so you know what seeds to plant. The garden is not yours alone - you plant different seeds for different people.

Tread gently through the terrain as you observe the conditions. Where are things most likely to grow… to take root… to thrive? Speak in soothing tones. Plant seeds that reinforce the best in people. Make it safe for them to be their best selves. Seeds are not all about your beliefs and the world you want. You share the world you're creating. Some seeds must cultivate the wisdom of others. Help people see their own worth and contributions. Give hope.  

And then Elephant… pooped. Rather pointedly. She looked right at me.

Yes. Fertilize.  

It’s not “bullshit” to say the things that make people feel good.  Fertilize the seeds that others have planted and are working hard to cultivate. Recognizing those contributions helps things grow. When you see something, say something. People need to hear about the good they do. Some are starving for that validation and nourishing them will help those qualities grow.

And be vigilant about the fear. Fear weakens. Gratitude fortifies.

Gratitude is the antedote for fear. Use gratitude to grow all the things you love about your life and attract more of the same. Fear causes you to suffer, even as you consider the things you love and cherish most. Gratitude allows you to enjoy each moment and everything you consider with that lens.  Gratitude shines love and light onto everything you observe, bringing out loveliness and a sense of peace.

So pay attention to the needs of this garden and continue to plant seeds. Fertilize them with hope and encouragement. Let gratitude be your sunlight.