Baby Polka Dots

This morning i noticed tiny polka dot seedlings growing in the pots of various houseplants. Even though i shook the polka dot seed stems over some flowerpots a couple of months ago, i'm sure i didn't sprinkle any in the pots where they are showing up. Oh, the mystery of tiny seeds.

This is the reason we need to pay attention to our ethical conduct. Not because there is a divine judge. But because you are judging your own actions. 

The seeds of our speech, our actions, and our behavior fly off in who-knows-what direction. Will we harvest a weed from that mean word? We never know the repercussions of our words.

Plant seeds of kindness wherever you are. You may be surprised by little polka dots of happiness 

Companion Planting

 

The polka dot plants that i brought indoors in October brought some hitchhikers with them--impatiens seeds.

Outdoors, i had planted the polka dots next to impatiens on the north side of the house, since they both love the shade. After the frost touched the impatiens, i pulled them out and discovered a couple more polka dots growing underneath them. Now the next generation of impatiens is growing with their neighbors, the polka dots.

We rely on "companion planting" with our spiritual friends to steady and sustain our meditation practice. We depend on our spiritual companions to keep us on the high road, especially when that low road looks so easy and so tempting. 

We rely on our spiritual friends to bloom. That way we all look good.

Polka Dots

In October, i dug up my polka dot plants (Hypoestes) and brought them indoors. Usually, the polka dots go to seed and die.

This year, i cut back the seed stalks. Voila! Lovely little polka dots to tickle my eyes for the rest of winter.

Before you go to seed, what is one thing your heart of hearts desires?

My 85-year-old sweetie is having heart palpitations. "Well, this is your chance," i tell him. "You always wanted to live long and die fast. This could be your way out."

"Oh, no," he says. "I'm not ready. I have to play the piano concert i've been preparing for the nursing home."

Music is his heart of hearts. Writing and meditation are mine. What's yours?