Cultivating Growth: Embracing Change in the Garden of Life
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Chapter 1: The Garden Experience
This afternoon, I chose to stroll to my garden and bask in the sunlight while reading. The garden sits approximately 30 yards from my back door, nestled on a slight hill. My backyard is primarily wooded, but there's a sunny spot in the far corner that thrives in the afternoon sun. Now that we’re in mid-September, my garden appears somewhat unruly.
The overgrowth is more pronounced than usual because I didn’t plant anything this year. During spring, I felt overwhelmed and drained from work, leaving me with no energy to devote to my garden.
It says a lot about one’s life when exhaustion prevents you from engaging in something you cherish. I had to step back to preserve my mental health. It was acceptable since I managed to get fresh vegetables from friends this summer. However, I truly cherish that garden—it was my project in 2020. Now, the dogs have dug under the fence in pursuit of voles, and the pokeweed and grass have taken over.
I keep an old beach chair up there for moments of sun and meditation. I brought my book and a water bottle, settling into the chair. After about 15 minutes of reading, my dogs began to nudge for some affection. As I placed my book in my lap and gazed through the fence, I noticed a vibrant flower amidst large leaves. To my surprise, there was a zucchini growing!
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Time for New Growth
In the garden, I found two zucchini plants thriving on their own, likely from seeds left over from last year. I looked around again and spotted three small tomato plants struggling, alongside a cucumber vine climbing the fence. Part of my garden had decided to flourish without my intervention.
“I perceive visiting a garden as an emotional and sensory experience filled with surprises. A garden visit is unique; it’s not merely about observing. Ideally, one should explore it alone or with a companion who appreciates silence. Conversations can disrupt the magic of a garden. Observing how people engage with gardens has taught me that the best visitors quietly absorb the surroundings, pondering and even conversing with the garden itself.” — From the film The Gardener
Throughout my life, I've consistently set goals and tackled tasks with determination. However, this past year taught me the necessity of establishing boundaries. With the encouragement of my wonderful partner, I decided to resign from my teaching job to explore new opportunities. For the first time, I find myself uncertain about my next steps, faced with numerous career options but unsure of the direction to take.
Let it Be
Gazing at my garden for a few moments instilled in me a sense of tranquility and optimism. Even if I feel stagnant for now, the seeds of my past efforts lie in the soil, poised to sprout anew. Sometimes, allowing things to unfold naturally is the best approach. The Universe understands our needs and desires; we simply must practice patience with its timing.
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Chapter 2: Embracing New Perspectives
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