“From our conversations, Ann, I’ve heard you speak of your previous life of rushing and doing and achieving and trying to have it all, or most of it. You had, and still do at times, a “to do” list that seems a tad bit too long. And, anything you felt you didn’t want to do or wished someone else would do for you aggravated you when it showed up on the list and really needed to be done.
Things like… weeding the garden. Hot, dirty, sweaty and how come they keep coming back??? – you moaned and you groaned until the deed was done.
Funny how when we take a different perspective on life – our attitude about things… even chores on a “to do” list – can change.
Just this morning, I saw you head out to that massive flower garden and start pulling weeds. You even tackled the ones growing out of the rock walls. You filled up that chartreuse green weed bucket a couple of times and not once did I hear you moan or groan.
What I realized is that you’ve figured it out. There is beauty everywhere – even with the weeds in the middle of a garden of beautiful flowers. What a peaceful moment it can be to clear your mind, stretch your muscles, and really see the beauty everywhere you look and turn.
It’s not a “chore” – it’s another way to quiet the mind and meditate.
I bet I see you out there more often – and, won’t the gardener be surprised when she comes by?”
The present moment is where life can be found, and if you don’t arrive there,
you miss your appointment with life.
– Thich Nhat Hanh
***
In July 2015, Ann’s sister, Linda, came to visit her in Vermont. It just so happened that Zen Frog showed up on that very day, too. Zen Frog decided to stay and found a perfect guru spot on the deck surrounded by trees, overlooking a garden, and having beautiful little Mt. Peg in the background. Since then, Zen Frog has shared her wisdom with Ann, who in turn shares it with you.
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