Stepping into moving others to greatness. I wanted to write another post on how reading comprehension and internalizing it through writing in your own words. What we do becomes the way of making it become how you were to come to view your own life. Reading comprehension helps as the key to learning and then adding what is new to your vocabulary. Stepping into the shoes of characters from our past, allows us to develop empathy and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives. To, over time, further develop our physical and spiritual presence not so much to persuade others, but to take us further on our own journey that we are here to continue.
This is another post that fits both as an entry in Danny’s Urban farm and gardens and The way of the Virtuous. When I wrote this back in 1994, we were in the middle of both a snowstorm that dumped almost a foot of snow in Massachusetts where I lived at the time and Master Gardener training in Boston. The roads had been cleared so I made it to the training that day. I think I tried to make it because we were focusing on the individual’s responsibility to nature, and we were discussing the importance of the role of a Master Gardener. I was the City Planner in Fall River at the time and working on a new master plan for the community.
Number 16 of the I Ching
To be a Master Gardener
Confined and under the weather, weariness sets in. The dead of winter. Everything is covered.
Snow several feet deep. Hibernation. Waiting, waiting, waiting with listless passion. All things waiting for Spring.
As the spirit is in its deepest despair, yang ebbs into nothingness and yin springs forward. The ice melts and the crocus begin to bloom as the mother robin appears, harbinger of Spring.
Casting away the cobwebs. Shunning aside shackles of mind and body it’s time to find our gardens again. Blinded by the sun in your mind’s eye you begin by sorting through implements reluctantly put away last autumn. Sorting through seeds and preparing small plants the task begins in earnest.
Arise early, refreshed finding yourself in the garden soon to be basking in the midday sun. Do not delay showing only diligence and respect for nature.
Plant wisdom and know the freedom to choose. Plant clarity and soon understanding comes to the surface. Plant harmony and be at peace with the fruits of your labor. Startled from sleep still listless, you are dreaming. A look out the window confirms. The snow is still several feet deep, but your passion is beginning to return.
An original composition and interpretation of the Chinese Classic the I Ching (16 WEARINESS / Thunder over Earth). 2/12/94
Leave a Reply