Lessons from Dandelions

I recently moved into a house that has a yard. As it is spring, I took some time this weekend in the garden. Most of my time was spent digging up dandelions. I was able to find myself enjoying the ability to be in the dirt, caring for my garden, and enjoying the repetition of the action and the sense of accomplishment at the progress. I was also able to find ways to use dandelion leaves and roots, so that all of them didn't just go into compost, but could be harvested and used in new ways.

I could have come into this activity with resentment. Resentment towards the previous tenants who didn't curb the weeds. Resentment at the need to weed my garden. Resentment for my time and how dirty I was getting. And that could have been an excruciating 2 hours that I spent in my garden. If I didn't find use for the dandelions and just saw them as a nuisance, I could have felt bitterness towards the existence of this plant in my yard.

I'm using this example, not to brag about how happy I am or how I don't find tasks tedious, but to highlight that there are many ways to go about the tasks we do. And there may be times when we're exhausted or upset and it's too much to find contentment in these activities. But we have the ability to be in the present moment and notice why our values are driving us to engage in our tasks and create new meaning. Where do you have room to look at your tasks differently? Where do you have room to create something new out of what could have been a waste?

As always, take what is helpful and leave the rest. I hope you have the week you need.