Cosmic Gardener – Cultivating a Life

Autumn. A time of endings. A time of harvest.
The leaves are dropping. The gardens are done.
Their harvest is their gift.
A dichotomy.

What am I ready to drop?
What am I ready to harvest?

Circulation.

In my early adult years I began to consider what character traits I wanted to emulate. By that time I had already  observed a wide variety of behaviors. Some positive. Some noble. Some not so much. By then I had established a journaling practice, and started to record words or phrases that exemplified the tenets of how I wanted to show up in the world.

At some point I gathered my thoughts into list form, creating a credo of sorts. Periodically I revisited it, as both a reminder, and as a beacon. A lighthouse. Other than a few ah-has in later life, and a bit of wordsmithing, my words and phrases have remained the same. Always twenty-five words. Or less.

Recently I shared this concept with a close friend. She reflected only briefly before  offering a few heartfelt words that made her list. Joy. Forgiveness. I shared phrases from mine. Be kind. Never stop learning.

How would you describe the tenets of your philosophy, your guiding principles, in an abbreviated manner? In twenty-five words. Or less.

Metaphorically, we all cross many bridges in our lifetimes; leaving a familiar shore, often suspended through a journey of unknowing perhaps to a destination yet to be determined.

Our bridges are unique to us and quite personal. They can be short (think “bridge job”) or represent a period of more extended passage; sturdy and utilitarian or suspended on gossamer threads; a broad expanse or wide enough for only a lone traveler.

Bridges rarely represent one-way passages. You may find yourself returning to familiar shores to complete unfinished business that only becomes apparent from a new vista.

If there is a passage looming on your horizon working with the image of a life bridge can be a very powerful tool.

What does your bridge look like?
From what shore have you embarked?
What are you bridging?
On what new ground do you want to set foot?
Who are you becoming on your journey?

Life Bridges PDF