What are you growing?

Gardening at 7000 feet above sea level is challenging. The growing season is very short with the last frost often in June and the first frost in September. This makes any harvest especially sweet and this year it included lavender, spearmint, and seeds from sunflowers and hollyhocks. Sadly, I’ve abandoned trying to grow my dearly loved garden tomatoes, but good friends from the valley share their bounteous supply. 

Farmers and gardeners understand the cycle of planting seeds, nourishing young plants, and patiently waiting for the perfect balance when plants yield up their gifts. They accept the natural pace that growing requires. They know there is no rushing the ripening of a tomato on the vine, no pressuring rose petals to unfold, or screaming at seeds to germinate. Nature is in charge of its own timing. 

Everywhere around me, folks are trying to defy the truth that becoming your best self, adopting healthy behaviors, or mastering a life skill requires the mindset of a gardener that thrives through patience, persistence and perspiration. Instead, they expect one-day delivery, get-it-now processes. No need to work and save, just charge. No need to practice, if it doesn’t come right away, just quit. No need to learn, just google. No need to talk face-to-face, just text. 

I’m sure the world is not going to slow down anytime soon, so it’s worth considering what is a good fit for quick fixes and what requires the gardening cycle. For example, online grocery shopping is a great quick fix but learning to cook healthy requires trial and error resolution. Texting an appointment time is efficient but listening for understanding has to be unhurried. Balancing an online checkbook can be fast and easy but aligning spending with priorities takes purpose and willpower. 

This summer I planted the seeds of being more present when I’m with others, learning to use my Mac and blog, and discovering where my creative spirit wants to go next. I see some sprouts and seedlings, but the harvest date is not in view. I’m joyful, however, in spending time on things that aren’t rushed or superficial and am delighting in the process of slow and steady.

Thought questions for you: What seeds have you planted? What are you trying to grow in your life now? Are you keeping the weeds of distraction down so the plants can grow? Have you had a recent harvest? I’d love to hear your experiences. You can share them in the comment section of this blog. 

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