The beauty of nature is undeniable. From the vibrant colors of wildflowers to the peacefulness of an untouched landscape, there's something about being surrounded by nature that can be incredibly soothing to the soul. However, not all plants that grow in nature are created equal. Some are welcome additions to a garden, while others are considered weeds.
So, what exactly is the difference between a wildflower and a weed? Simply put, a weed is any plant that is growing out of place. It's unwanted, noxious, and can harm other plants that should be thriving in that space. On the other hand, a wildflower brings beauty while it grows and multiples on its own.
As we navigate through life, we encounter both positive and negative experiences. It's easy to focus on the negatives and lose sight of the good. Since I love a good metaphor, I have spent this month, exploring weeds. I don't like to weed, but there are plenty of weeds in my yard, so I decided to let nature teach me.
While I worked to remove these undesirable plants, here is what the weeds taught me:
To cultivate positive growth in our lives, we must first be mindful of what we want to plant. Thoughts and emotions spread the seeds that will grow in our hearts. As we plant, we must also be aware of our weak spots, where the eager weeds of negativity may strike. Mindfulness helps us focus on the positive aspects of our life. In contrast, negative thoughts, if left unattended, can consume the good. So weed it out.
To counter seeds of negativity plant seeds of positivity. Then nourish the good with Light, water those seeds with Truth, and avoid churning up dirt that will bring dormant weed seeds to the surface.
Also, as with any garden, we must also watch out for outside attacks that can harm our growth. We must protect ourselves from negative voices, both inside and outside of us, that may spread doubt and seek to overtake the good.
Not all weeds sprout right away, so it's important to make a regular sweep through our thoughts and emotions regularly to identify any negative patterns that may be holding us back. Awareness, repentance, and course correction are part of good daily weeding.
As we work on our own self-growth, we may discover late-season weeds that pop up as we dig deeper into ourselves. This is not failure, but progress. Deeper growth means the progress of our souls. Recognize and celebrate this desired growth.
Building on this metaphor of planting seeds, our heart is our garden for goodness. We have to prepare the soil so the right emotions can grow. To do this, we need to tend to our heart garden regularly, weeding out the bad and cultivating a place for positive growth. Yes, it's work, but the reward is worth the effort. Happiness, joy, peace, and love can blossom in our heart garden.
So weed out the bad, the lies, and the unwanted. Plant seeds of positivity, goodness, and worth. Then trust in the progression and growth.