Gardener’s Golden Protection

golden meadow of the mind ~d nelson

Years ago a master gardener was asked how to keep the landscape
of mind beautiful, healthy, happy & gratified.
Teacher advised to water the beneficial seeds, avoid watering harmful ones.
Seeds of kindness, compassion and insight exist alongside those of fear, craving and hatred.
When anger, worry, anxiety or despair arise, don’t let them bloom in the garden alone.
Nurture seeds of mindfulness, which produce golden awareness of feelings, whether pleasant or painful.
Breathing in, aware of body, breathing out, relaxing body.
The energy of mindfulness embraces the painful energy, helping it lessen & become bearable.

all sides of the track protected

Americans are among the most stressed people in the world, according to a new Gallup survey.
Perhaps many could benefit from quiet garden time & also, a class by an experienced gardener.
Good gardeners know if unwholesome feelings or thoughts (mental formations) are neglected,
he/she will experience stress & ill-being; possibly wounding themselves and others.
Gardener’s insight recognizes good & bad seeds laying dormant in our consciousness’, until watered.
Since inner seeds cannot be eradicated, they’re best selectively watered. This is called true diligence.
Taking good care of my garden I’ve experienced fewer weeds & more blossoms, over time.
Let those beautiful, golden poppies of love grow.

If you water a seed of peace in your mind, peace will grow. When the seeds of happiness in you are watered, you will become happy. When the seed of anger in you is watered, you will become angry. The seeds that are watered frequently are those that will grow strong. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

136 Replies to “Gardener’s Golden Protection”

  1. David, this is so beautiful. I loved seeing such bright colors of blooms, and your post is touching. Yes, Americans are stressed. Not sure, though, about the rest of the world. Stressed with different dilemmas, perhaps.

    1. thank you for your kindness, Plantsandbeyond!
      seems the human condition includes inherent stresses. however, some cultures have advantages by their actively supporting well-being, connection, tolerance and justice of citizens, thus reducing some stressors; in my personal travels and experience. may your day be well 🙂

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