This week has been one of true inspiration. Nothing profound happened, really. I simply received a text message from my neighbor suggesting that we trade perennials to expand our flower gardens. I was hesitant, because I didn’t think I had anything to give her and I wasn’t sure that she’d have anything that I would want to take. I had planned and planned and PLANNED my garden three seasons ago and have just been watching the plants and trees we put in at that time becoming more mature.

I had set my mind.

Nevertheless, I invited my neighbor over and showed her what I had, again, hesitantly because I wasn’t really wanting to give anything up, and as we talked I realized that 1) I have crowded and clumpy spots and bare spots; 2) my neighbor has a great eye for structure, placement, and color; and 3) my garden could use some definite rearranging and new perspective. We then walked over to her backyard and I saw LOTS of stuff that I wanted. I began asking for this plant and that flower and before I knew it we had planned a transplant and swap date for week after next. I am SO excited for that day!

And how inspiring it is to feel a shedding of what I thought was final! To extend the “edge” in my private garden sanctuary and push a boundary of comfort to which I had been clinging so tightly, yet so unaware.

Isn’t it interesting that the little colloquialisms we use are ones such as, “planting our feet” and “digging in our heels.” These phrases have such a finality to them, when they should infer the very opposite: planting to root and grow, digging to find depth and nourishment to be healthy.

This week, I plan to start a transformation in the garden of my life. These are some of the ways I will meet and push my edge of giving and receiving:

• Restoratively work in Upavishta Konasana
• Gift my preschooler undivided attention during the baby’s morning naptime instead of cleaning or Facebooking or Tweeting
• Receive and digest the compliments that my husband so freely gives, without deflecting them with self-degradation or sarcastic humor
• Call my parents and listen genuinely
• Engage boundlessly in a long distance relationship with my oldest son
• Breathe in deeply, and exhale completely

What is planted in your garden?

Related posts:

1. Spring Cleaning.
2. New Class Schedule!
3. No fear.