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Herb of the Week for 28th Dec
Reflections in the Herb Garden by Lynn
Kirkland
As we reach the last few days of 2007
we reflect on what that year brought to
us. For our family it has been a powerful
year indeed.
The strength of emotions experienced this
year has at times, been overwhelming.
This year my beloved mother died as well
as two adopted aunts and another delightful
person connected to our family. Four funerals
and no wedding!
One cannot prepare for such losses but
what I have learnt is that these experiences
add layers of depth to the spirit and
as it is in nature we survive the testing
times and become stronger as a result
of it.
My father's strength of spirit is remarkable
and continually amazes me. Losing his
soul mate of sixty years has surely been
one of the most testing times he has had
and he has certainly had many in his lifetime.
Yet the spirit endures and it is wonderful
to see how Dad continues to look for positivity
in his life.
The other day Dad remarked to me "It
doesn't matter how old you are you need
to have goals."
Wisdom indeed from someone turning eighty
eight in February and is happily planning
his next overseas trip.
For me spending time in the garden soothes
my soul and connects me to the resonance
in nature which releases an energy for
both reflection and creativity and for
goal setting.
Losing loved ones is an inevitable part
of life and when I said to someone that
this year had been difficult, she said
words that have caused me much reflection.
She said," Yes, but it has been a
rich year." It took me a little time
to accept this however I think this is
true as 2007 has been a year rich in experiences
which have added layers of strength to
our spirit.
We find we have inner resources that we
had not drawn on before and we look deeply
at what is important to us in our lives.
The Fragrant Wheel at the herb farm pictured
above is based on two scented herbs, lavender
and roses.
Roses are symbols of love and when we
grow roses we risk being hurt by thorns
but are rewarded with the beauty of soft
petals, colour and fragrance to touch
our hearts. Connecting deeply with people
is to the same as when you love them and
enjoy shared experiences we know that
one day we will lose them and we will
experience the pain of this loss at some
point.
Lavender symbolises devotion and friendship
which is the perfect herb to finish on
for this year.
My Mum and Dad inspired many with their
devotion and loyal friendship and now
my Dad has a store of wonderful memories
to sustain and comfort him. Many of you
will have experienced the loss of loved
ones this year and many like our family
too will have experienced the joy of a
new life entering the family.
Take a moment to reflect on the richness
of life and embrace those you love and
remember with love those who now care
for us from another place and find peace.
The garden can be a wonderful place for
this reflection and goal setting for 2008.
Set some goals no matter what age you
are and remember that every day is a gift
and every moment precious.
Thank you to those who tell me they enjoy
my weekly writings and wishing you all
peace, health and a richness of experiences
in 2008.
Thanks
lynn another great read. Visit
The HerbFarm Website:
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