"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders."
-Henry David Thoreau
The truth of knowing that all life begins with a seed is relatively simple, yet metaphorically, it is a principle which can unfold on a much deeper level. My Tea House Garden project was planted in my mind long ago and just waiting for the right amount of time and energy to flow its way for it to begin to emerge.
In our culture today, we are often caught up in the mundane and tasks at hand. We have a tendency to view ourselves as human doings rather than human beings. Many of us gauge our successes and accomplishments each day by how productive we have been. This habit that we have developed, leaves us little time to do, what I like to call, the"sit and stare." I believe it is in these moments of stillness that seeds are planted. Now, don't get me wrong, this project did not come to fruition by simply sitting and staring at the wall; on the contrary, as I type this I am on about 4 hours of sleep as I have been full blast in the human doing mode lately. However, for this project to be dreamt about, the sit and stare was the first crucial component.
Elementary science teaches us that seeds need care and support to grow. Some have fewer requirements than others, but the fact remains that without the love of mother nature, we would live on a barren planet. Having no exemption from this rule, my Tea House Garden was only able to sprout with love and care from myself and those whom surround me.
I am fortunate enough to have a husband and 3 kids that believe in me, but more so, actually nourish my heart on a daily basis. These last few weeks have been especially draining. Who would have thought two 17 year old twins could step up to the plate with making dinners, digging out garden beds, potting plants, and doing computer work including setting up a POS system, website, social media, etc.? Of course, none of this was done on a whim, but all tasks were completed with enthusiasm and smiles. Even my oldest, off at college, started volunteering at the campus greenhouse to further her already significant passion for horticulture. I love these kids, and the truth is, their my step kids. Now how lucky am I?
As for the husband, he is an artist, and truly one at everything he does. Too many wonderful things to name for this one, but on a purely practical level, he simply makes things happen. By now you have hopefully seen the conservatory he constructed a few years back. If not, click here. I have become so accustomed to his genius, that I almost inadvertently take for granted the fact that he can build just about anything. As many of you know, when you begin a project, (business, house, or other) you often overlook, oh probably in my case about 80%, of what needs to be done, until of course it's 3 weeks before you are set for the unveiling. If it were not for Wes, there would be no Tea House Garden, there would be no dream come true.
We may not all have time to sit and stare and I know that we do not all share a life filled with love and support by others. However, there is true beauty everywhere we look and if we open ourselves and our hearts to it, brilliant things can happen. I encourage you to take at least a moment in the quietness of your mind and contemplate what seeds you can plant for yourself. If there is no one around to nourish them, then reach within yourself to plant them and watch them grow. For real though, prepare to expect wonders.