Planting Seeds
After ten weeks together, the Winter Well Woman group has ended. Eight outstanding women spent January through March healing and growing together. It was a beautiful experience. I asked the group how we might spend our last session together, and someone suggested we spend our time in my garden (I recently decided to test my green thumb and purchased a garden plot from the city). So, it was agreed. I was thrilled that my garden was becoming ours, as I had no clue what I was doing. B. Well has a garden now. We gathered at the small garden plot and prepared the land by turning the soil.
Everyone brought different seeds to add variety to the garden. We decided to make our seeds a bit more personal: “Jovana’s Jalapeno,” “Adrianne’s Spinach,” “Kristie’s Peppers,” and “Kristen’s Tomato” were just a few of the seeds planted. We dug tresses—and dropped seeds. We covered the seeds with earth. We marked the rows after we planted because after planting seeds and covering them with dirt, it looked like nothing was there. And, of course, this got me thinking about the spiritual aspects of sowing seeds and the spiritual meaning of gardens. Thus, planting seeds is the topic of this month's message from the founder.
The Christian Bible reads, " Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:7-9).
It is planting season.
The question remains: What are you sowing this season?
Sowing Seeds
Seeds are tiny; however, given time and nurturance, they grow into mighty trees that live on for generations or plants that can feed many. The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that tiny seeds can make a mighty yield. What small seeds are you willing to sow into yourself? Your family? Your health? Your heart? Beginning with small acts of changed behavior can alter the entire course of your life. Say one kind thing to yourself and see how your body starts to heal. Take one thing off your schedule and watch your mental health increase. Commit to doing one small act for your spouse and see how your marriage begins to improve. Seeds are mighty. You can start by planting one. One word. One act. One moment.
Reaping what you Sow
After you begin with one, begin to sow more. 2 Corinthians 9:6 reminds us, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” If you would like to see a radical shift in your marriage, you must intentionally sow several seeds of love, affection, and consideration. Beginning a business means putting several seeds of time, investment, and care in the ground. If you sow very little into your children, you will surely get little in return. One seed in the ground creates one plant that, with care, may eventually create many plants. But sowing several seeds creates several plants that can make several more. Plant more seeds so that you can receive the bounty of your harvest!
Tending Your Garden
Remember, sowing seeds does not mean your work is done. Gardens must be tended regularly. Growing plants requires daily attention. Plants, like people, need continuous care and must be watered. Much like toxic people, the weeds must be removed so they don’t choke out healthy plants. Parasites, like toxic environments, can attack the garden if not appropriately tended. Gardens thrive in loving environments, just like us. Isaiah 58:11 reads, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” You, my love, are a garden. Tend to yourself.
Suppose you need support on your journey, B. Well would be honored to help you grow as you SPRING into your best life!
Your Favorite Gardner,
Dr. Adrianne R. Pinkney
Integrative Wellness & Life Coach
P.S. I’ll keep you updated on the state of the garden in the upcoming newsletters. If you have any gardening tips, please send them to me. I need all the help I can get. :-)
