Pruning

It is easier said than done. A paradigm shift, that is... But The Art of Possibility (Zander and Zander) offers some help. Recognizing that we accept the boundaries drawn for us by others, is a first step. The second is realizing that the so-called benchmarks are invented, along with the scales that measure them. So when the strictures get too much for you, stretch as much as you can and arch your back (in defiance, if you must). Something will give. Even if it is only just a creaking expansion at first, eventually there will be a crack in the wall and a way out will start to be revealed.

But what if you so accept the measurements and boundaries of others that to lose them might mean you become someone that does not fit into their hearts anymore? Undying, unconditional love is a concept we all like to cherish (at least the idea, if not in the observance) – but the reality is that the sordidness of everyday living sometimes erodes the shallow soil of our hearts a bit too much.

Then what? Will a paradigm shift help or harm the relationship? Well, it is clear that there is not enough loam to nurture the old plant, so a cutting must be taken and transplanted into some rich, new medium for a new shoot and root to sprout. Transplanting, propagating from an old plant is fraught with the possibility that the operation will fail, but equally that great new things will spring forth – in time.

We are having our garden renovated and it is a good thing that I am still on crutches, I think. It has been exceedingly hard to restrain myself from rushing outside screaming, stop, stop, stop – when I see the extreme pruning, ripping, uprooting of my (sickly) beloved little plants taking place. I know that spring will bring wonderful new things (maybe even some veggies) and I am really excited about that, but now there are only sticks where there were leaves and flowers.

So we move... move on we must. But a little help is often required.