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Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this innerlight. - Albert Schweitzer |
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Asparagus Fern Analogy There is simplicity and beauty in the expression weeding it out. What this suggests is uprooting something we don't want to, perhaps, make room for something we do want. Creative expression is a means to achieve this. I don't mean to suggest that living a creative life will free you of challenge nor am I suggesting the only way to be creative is through artistic expression. Creativity is about self -- who we are, how we approach life, that which does not need to be proven, accepted or judged -- it simply is. Creativity is about exploring what makes us unique and embracing it. As we journey toward this self discovery, that which blocks our creativity will inevitably need to be explored as well. In my own journey of self discovery I've come across and still come across core beliefs and behaviors that create roadblocks to self expression and creativity -- living a life that is not fulfilling, rich, wondrous. Becoming introspective has been important for my own process to understand myself, my emotions, my interactions and my reactions to people, places and things. I've spent many years investigating, healing and uprooting these beliefs and behaviors which no longer serve me and essentially rob me of reverence for life and joy. So begins the healing process. I recently found myself remembering a time in my childhood when mom decided it was time to redo the landscaping which required the removal of a rather large Asapargus Fern. The Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus) is a plant with long arching branches, covered with needle like foliage. Ouch! It's a hearty plant that will flourish quite well with very little maintenance -- interesting metaphor for family dysfunction. Upon embarking on a job like uprooting this plant one has to consider how to approach it. Go in with bare hand, exposed arms and the determination to make it 'short and sweet", well, you are sure to get scraped up along the way. So now you've decided you will do this -- take on the task of weeding it out. Simple enough right? Not much to it other than yanking those arching branches and digging out the roots. Ah, but it turns out this particular plant has a complex root system which seems to never end, even pods to make it extra challenging. And when it comes to healing self, just when you think you've dealt with the 'root' cause of your problems something related crops up somewhere else down the road. It can be quite discouraging. When you need to, ask for help. It may not be easy but ut doesn't have to be painful. Just like uprooting this plant doesn't have to be the monstrous task it appears, healing those dark spaces you came across on your journey do not need to be overwhelming. You just need willingness, patience, support and a gentle touch. It is what it is. When you come face-to-face with those spots in your past that still contain hurt, leave the 'woulda, shoulda, coulda' behind. Deal with each step with the care and time you need. You know, that Asparagus Fern my mother uprooted was a monster project she thought would never end. But it did. She got the help she needed, took the time to completly remove that ferns' roots and pods so they wouldn't grow back, and then began the task of replanting something quite beautiful. |