Even though the harvest of our summer garden has past, the concept of "gardening" has been coming up a lot for me lately. I was recently drawn to a new Divine Nature oracle deck. For those of you who are unfamiliar, oracle decks are sets of cards adorned with evocative imagery and accompanying messages. It is a tool you might use to enhance your intuition around a life direction, decision, relationship, etc. It is not intended to foretell the future or find definitive answers, rather a tool for reflection, and can provide a gateway to your inner wisdom. Their true magic lies in the connection between you and the cards, and the foresight that emerges from within. When I first tried out this new beautiful deck, I offered a question about pursuing my work by expanding an element of connection opportunities for women. I shuffled the deck and pulled out this card - Garden the Heart. Because my work is heart-centered and purpose driven, my intuition translated this as an affirming message to nurture the idea. Today as I considered nurturing friendship, this card again came to mind because meaningful friendships require tending, just like a garden.
Prioritizing Friendship: Why "We Should Get Together Soon" Isn't Enough
Have you ever found yourself making a heartfelt promise to a dear friend, “We must get together soon”? Yet, as the days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, one season becomes the next... winter, spring, summer and fall pass. The intention, though sincere, disappears like autumn leaves
The Power of Presence
The truth is, life, with its myriad demands, can often overshadow the simple joy of connection. Yet, it's precisely these connections that enrich our souls and nourish our spirits.
When we intentionally cultivate friendships, we're not merely passing the time; we're weaving threads of love, understanding, and support into the tapestry of our lives.
The Magic of One-on-One
There's an undeniable magic in one-on-one interactions. They allow us to delve deep, to share our hearts and vulnerabilities, and to truly see and be seen by another.
While group settings offer the vibrancy of shared experiences, it's in the quiet intimacy of one-on-one conversations that we often find the most profound connections.
Sowing the Seeds of Friendship
To nurture these precious bonds, we must prioritize them. It's not just about the "we should" good intentions; it's about taking action - planting, pruning, weeding, cultivating, and harvesting.
Schedule Sacred Time: Designate specific times in your month for connecting with friends. Whether it's a monthly coffee date or a quarterly weekend getaway, the key is consistency.
The Power of Now: When you're already with a friend, use that opportunity to schedule your next gathering. It's a simple yet effective way to keep the momentum going.
Cultivate Rituals: Create shared experiences, like book clubs, cooking nights, or nature walks, community festivals, that strengthen your bond over time.
Get Out Your Calendar: Next time you find yourself saying or hearing "we should get together soon" take immediate action! Get your calendar out and book it, even if the free time you both find is more than a month away. At least it is booked, which is better than the likelihood that you see each other again before chance or circumstances brings you together.
Take Advantage of the Holidays: You are more likely in the next 2 months to bump into an old friend, or someone new that you feel a spark of connection with. The seeds you plant now will bloom and harvest in the coming year. If you would like more meaningful friendships in your life, now the perfect time to get started!
Remember, every friendship is a garden that requires tending. By nurturing these connections, we're not just enriching our own lives, but also contributing to a more compassionate and connected world.
What rituals or traditions have you created with your friends? Share your experiences in the comment section.
All my love,
Brenda
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