True Surrender

Good Morning DearHearts,

A few posts ago I wrote about Birth and Rebirth from my gardener’s point of view.  This time I want to share what I have learned about surrender from spending time in the garden.

If anyone decides to grow a garden and believe they will be able to control how their garden grows; well have I got news for you.

Many years ago, after believing I had a brown thumb and could not grow anything, I somehow found delight playing in the dirt and planting flowers and herbs.  To my surprise my thumb was not cursed with giving flowers a death sentence.  In fact, generally everything grew quite well.

When I decided to focus my gardening efforts towards butterflies, I had so much more to learn about providing a place to nurture nature.

The first time I planted milkweed (the most important plant for Monarch butterflies), I was shocked the next week when all of the leaves and flowers disappeared.  I was not aware that in order to get butterflies you have to start with caterpillars.  The caterpillars consume the leaves and flowers AND if you are lucky, you will end up with some butterflies hatching in a few weeks.

However, I have learned to surrender my attachment to seeing this transformation.  Over the past few years the number of caterpillars never seems to equal the same number of butterflies.  No matter my intention, care and actually moving caterpillars to a different plant, the math doesn’t work.

I am helpless over the number of caterpillar predators in the garden and because the garden is pesticide free and wildlife welcoming, Que Sera Sera.

I have also had to surrender my belief that if a plant seems to be growing well this is an indication that it will continue on that path.  Not so much.  In actuality some plants seem to be doing just fine until they aren’t. I had a beautiful vine plant that was an amazing addition to the side fence.  I couldn’t wait to see it bloom again.  It was attracting Swallowtail butterflies into the garden.  All was well. And then it wasn’t.

One morning the vine started to wither and turn brown.  I watered it, gave it plant food and spoke to it in dulcet tones.  This was out of my control. But to complicate the problem there were baby caterpillars on the vine.  I had pictured seeing Swallowtail butterflies hatch in my back yard.  That was not going to happen.  I relocated the babies to Butterfly World and allowed the vine to die.

My role here is to be a care giver.  This is not only my role in the garden but also in this experience that is referred to as “Life”.  I have the ability to offer care, to advise, to feed with words and water with appreciation and guidance. I do not have the ability to determine if any of my offerings are accepted, used or valued.  I must surrender any attachment I may have of “follow through” or outcomes.

It has been said that when the student is ready the teacher will appear.  Until willingness (which is readiness) is acquired no teacher will be suitable for the student.  Those who believe they want to connect with their Spiritual Self will appear (like the vine) only to disappear when the teachings get too uncomfortable or challenging. I must surrender my desire to see the change.

Growth is complicated.  Spiritual growth is complex.  As much as we desire to have a new way to experience life there is often a resistance to the very change that will bring that desire to fruition.

In my role as a care giving spiritual teacher I advise gentleness to your being.  Feed your soul with words of wisdom from one of the many sources available.  Do not be alarmed if you do not seem to digest this “soul food” immediately.  Water your Self with groups/gatherings of like minded beings.  Watch for the ego thoughts (weeds) that may emerge and be willing to remove them swiftly.  Surrender your attachment to how soon this garden of new thoughts blossoms, it will.  Walk barefoot in your garden. Know that you do not walk alone.

From Text ACIM Chapter 18, “The Little Garden”

“And walk into the garden love has prepared for both of you.”

And

Remember There IS Boundless LOVE For US Right  Now

In Love, Light and Peace,

Janet Weissman

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