 How often we plan only to find things unfolding contrary to our intentions. What do we do when we didn't consider that things might not work out as we designed? Do we respond in anger? Many do, finding themselves feeling thwarted by persons unknown (or perhaps specifically suspected). If so, the tendency is to massage that sense of injustice or persecution, leading perhaps to the toxic energies of resentment, accusation, retaliation and worse. These deviations from our plans happen in all our lives with such regularity that, were we more accepting of life's unpredictability, we might even welcome them as opportunities for growth, change, enlightenment, and perhaps even abundance.  I am enjoying such an opportunity now. We are blessed with a community garden in which to grow organic vegetables, and having received word that the soil was prepared and watering system ready, we went to a local garden supply store and bought heirloom tomato, basil and parsley plants as we have done several years now. I loaded my old tomato frames and stakes and garden basket into the back of the car and drove to the garden. It consists of many raised beds and is fenced against deer and other hungry garden thieves, and is equipped with a watering system that makes sure that, rain or shine, we have enough water for abundance.  The raised bed plots were all ready for planting. Our names were taped to each one to avoid the trouble of folks mistaking someone else's plot for theirs and digging in, as has happened before. I set down my tray of seedlings at the edge of my plot and trudged back to the car for the other supplies. When I returned I realized there were no hoses hooked up to the faucets. What to do? Having brought along my iPhone, I scrolled through emails to see the one from the garden leader, and sure enough, there was supposed to be water today. I then decided to try the spigots and perhaps get a little water for my efforts this way. No go. So I sat on the edge of the plot and sent off an email alerting the leader to the problem. Then I set my large supplies across my plot and took the plants and basket of tools back to the car. Upon returning home, I took the plants out back and watered them well, leaving the tray in the shade. Soon I had an email response from the garden leader telling me that the grounds crew had discovered a problem with the water line, and saying that one of the spigots was working and the whole set up would be repaired in a couple more days. She encouraged me to call her cell if I couldn't get the water flowing. So later today off I will trudge to give it all another try. How was this a positive experience? Nothing works better to soothe jangling nerves and risen hackles than loving kindness, or Metta, meditation. More later.  UPDATE:  With some creative climbing and carrying, water was obtained and garden planted. The water came from the pipe you see going up the right side of the photo here, and spewed like a fountain when I turned the big red spigot. I had to lower the volume and climb up with my watering can to get the water I needed, but I got it!Namaste |
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