Have you ever been out watering your garden and found yourself putting together an elegant metaphor for life? I've noticed that when a climbing plant (such as jasmine or rose) finds purchase on something to climb, creating somewhere to go, a leg up on the journey, it thrives.
For instance, I’ve had a jasmine plant for a few years that hasn’t been flourishing or blooming a whole lot. I noticed some of the shoots just piddled out and died at the ends. I decided to tie twine to guide the longest strands to a wood slat crossing the path from a structure built to hold the honeysuckle on the other side. Soon after, I noticed that, once the branch began twisting itself along the string, it looked happier and put out new shoots. I even fancy the entire bush appears more vibrant, putting out new blossoms.
It might be attributed to other things. Maybe it’s just taken root recently, or perhaps it’s the season. But I’ve noticed it with a red climbing rose I better supported as well, so I think it might be extrapolated. And I’m thinking this is true of life. When I’m anchored to an idea or project that excites me, and that feels possible, everything seems better, life is more afloat. My mood, joy in my body, my mental clarity, energy, even ability to laugh over foibles and shake off hardship.
(This is not my house in the picture, by the way, but one must encounter a beautiful wafted scent passing through the jasmine-festooned doorway.)
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Marie Judson 