Planting

Good gardening requires looking forward. The tiny shrub that is planted today can become a tree-like nuisance which undermines the foundation of a house. Planting a flower bed over a buried gas line or electric line can lead to a mess later on if emergency repairs are necessary. Placing a plant in the wrong light will simply stunt or kill it.

 

We plant words and ideas in our relationships with each other. Some of these may grow to de facto commitments through day-by-day evolution. Some of these may become untended weeds which undermine our sense of integrity or sabotage our ability to change in healthy ways.

 

Communication is the gardening tool of friendship. It can be left to rust as relationships simply become habit. It can be wielded irresponsibly with resulting alienation and hurt. It can be used regularly to shape and nurture the growth of love and respect between individuals and groups.

 

Mindfulness is a valuable process when planting shrubs or friendships in my life. Communication is a necessary component of any relationship in my life with other human beings and with my general environment. Compassion grows with open and regular communication. These are all components of my humanist practice.