Thursday, October 18, 2018

18. Snake Break


Gardening is teaching me about time management and the power of committing a little time to one task. When I finish it, I reassess my energy and what is next and determine if I'll keep at it or wrap up for the time being. Either decision is the right one, depending on the moment.

I'm also being reminded about the importance of cleaning up after oneself as a metaphor for life. A good amount of my latest sessions in the backyard are cleaning up piles of clipped decorative grasses or other weeds that I pulled last year or the year before.

I spotted my first snake and knew that these piles are invitations to snakes and other unsavory “wild life.” Metaphorically, the piles remind me of the things—emotions, bad feelings, unhelpful habits—that grow bigger when left unattended.

I don't feel bad about it. It's cathartic and the hard work will teach me not to take that approach anymore. Moving forward, I will clean up the yard refuse as I go. The piles are also visual clutter which has a tendency to weigh down my mind and energy. No more piles of yard waste unless it's going into my compost pile.

And as for the snake, I was proud that I didn’t freak out. I simply stopped what I was doing, backed up, and gave him some space to do his thing. I needed to get some water anyway.

I haven’t seen him since, so my theory about clearing away the piles must be spot on.


4 comments:

  1. I'm loving all the lessons you are learning through this series! Those piles, left unattended, do seem to grow and house unwanted 'friends' don't they? Literally and metaphorically! Great post, Julie!

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    1. Thanks for reading and commenting! I have learned so much this summer!

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  2. Now, this downright preaches. Sistah.

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  3. Clean as you go is something my grandparents were big on. It certainly does apply for more than the kitchen and gardening. Thanks for making the lesson so vivid.

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