Fruition

On June 1st I wrote on my blog about the fragile condition of my garden. I wondered who would survive. It looked iffy for many. I took a “wait and see” approach and committed to loving my garden just the way it was. Well, June and July brought virtually no rain and record heat to the area. I watered and fed my plants; many struggled and some died. Then the rains arrived in August and every living creature breathed a sigh of relief. Now as we cool down and head into fall my garden is full of color and radiance. Miraculously it came to fruition and I love being in it. It seems especially sweet because I know that in a very short time the abundance of blossoms will be gone, taken by the frost and chilly mountain mornings.

As usual, I find a metaphor here for my life. When I pass through a difficult time and emerge firmly rooted and blossoming with the sense that “life is good,” I think I have made it, I’m home. Destination reached; wisdom attained; enlightenment at hand. But, surprise, death awaits and later rebirth with new challenges ahead. The good news is that when that time comes I will be more seasoned, more deeply aware of the power I have to survive and to thrive. All it takes is a little courage and lots of trust that I will bloom again, meeting whatever challenges lie ahead.

Wait and See

My garden did not fare well this winter. Drought and frigid temperatures put many plants in peril. After discussing with an expert how to save my plants, I came to understand that what they need is time to heal and renew themselves. She suggested that we "wait and see" how they do. Hmmm...that might mean a season without an abundance of color in my yard. My garden has so much potential and I am always in a hurry to see it bloom.

But this summer, I will be supporting the survival skills of my plants, not their prolific blossoms. I will have to love them just as they are, battered by the dry, windy New Mexico Spring. I will provide nutrients and care then I will "wait and see."

There is a metaphor here for me about how I interact with my garden of family and friends. I tend to see potential in others and harbor a desire for them to reach higher or deeper or to bring about big changes in their lives. Isn't that what we do when we care, when we love someone? We nudge that potential along. Yes?

Well, actually, no! Loving the potential is not loving the person. Loving the potential sets expectations. And whether our loved ones embrace our expectations or resist, we have taken them off course, denying them their journey through life with its vast set of choices and outcomes.

If we "wait and see," just be their witness, we honor the journey and love the journeyer. We free them from our expectations and we free ourselves, as well, to love them for who they are right now, in this moment. So "wait and see," become a witness in your garden of family and friends. Let them be tested by drought and cold and then choose their own path to survival.

Growing Gardens

What is growing in your garden? Is it a new relationship, business, song or maybe a blog entry, that is taking root? Like the DNA within the seeds we bury in the soil, blueprints for new life are stored in every word we speak, encounter we have and action we take. Each of our creations has the capacity to manifest with fullness and grace. We simply need to cultivate, encourage and commit to that fulfillment.

I don't think of myself as a very good writer. So as I write this blog, I realize I am not cultivating very fertile soil for my words to grow and manifest. Can I pull out the weeds of judgment and self-doubt and just be a self-loving presence in this glorious garden of endless possibilities? How free and fun would that be?

Blueprints

It has taken me several years of living in the high desert to trust “my inner gardener.” I am finally at home in the garden, knowing that all of my plants have their own genetic blueprint for perfection. So gardening is simple…they express their glorious potential and charm every one of our senses, and I just follow with pruning shears and needed support when drought strikes and insects invade.

I too have a blueprint for perfection. And so this summer, I will grow in the safety of my "garden." With the right amount of sun and nourishment, my roots will deepen and my branches spread. I look forward to thriving, being true to my Self and welcoming love and support from all around.

I wish you all a fruitful and perfect summer in your “gardens.” I encourage you to be in touch. I will be making flower essences from plants in my garden and including them as healing aids in my practice. Soul Recovery and Shamanic Clearings remain the foundation of my practice. I encourage you to read more about these and other services at www.susanmaycock.com.