Harmony in the Garden
We have tried to make Lindisfarne, our home and the mother house of the community, a safe place of openness and hospitality. Part of that is the creation of a garden where peace can be found and guests can wander, or be still. As a place for meditation, a walking circuit takes about twelve minutes. Some years ago we decided to abandon the use of chemicals in the garden. We wanted to have an organic garden, sensitive to the seasons and — well — more eco-friendly. We no longer wanted to put pollutants in the earth, or destroy the little creepies.
Yesterday, in mediation walking, realizing the Way and the permeation of God, logos, in all things, I was delightfully content. Carried, nurtured, at one with the All in all. Later, planting roses I was pleasantly surprised, then horrified, when I unearthed brother toad, still buried in his winter refuge. He was unmoving. I feared that I had damaged him with the large spade. On examination he was all right and I thanked God. An inch in a different direction and the little creature would have been sliced. I put the large spade away and began carefully and gently moving earth using a small trowel and my fingers. Then I thought of the chemicals which, in the earth, would have damaged his sensitive skin. I was glad of our decision to go organic. Planting the roses took a lot longer than I had planned. Yet there was a sense once again of oneness with the creation, with the All I perceived in brother toad, beautiful creature that he is.
+ Ab. Andrew
We have tried to make Lindisfarne, our home and the mother house of the community, a safe place of openness and hospitality. Part of that is the creation of a garden where peace can be found and guests can wander, or be still. As a place for meditation, a walking circuit takes about twelve minutes. Some years ago we decided to abandon the use of chemicals in the garden. We wanted to have an organic garden, sensitive to the seasons and — well — more eco-friendly. We no longer wanted to put pollutants in the earth, or destroy the little creepies.
Yesterday, in mediation walking, realizing the Way and the permeation of God, logos, in all things, I was delightfully content. Carried, nurtured, at one with the All in all. Later, planting roses I was pleasantly surprised, then horrified, when I unearthed brother toad, still buried in his winter refuge. He was unmoving. I feared that I had damaged him with the large spade. On examination he was all right and I thanked God. An inch in a different direction and the little creature would have been sliced. I put the large spade away and began carefully and gently moving earth using a small trowel and my fingers. Then I thought of the chemicals which, in the earth, would have damaged his sensitive skin. I was glad of our decision to go organic. Planting the roses took a lot longer than I had planned. Yet there was a sense once again of oneness with the creation, with the All I perceived in brother toad, beautiful creature that he is.
+ Ab. Andrew