Enjoy this short story which is part of my Inner Gardening series that focuses on the interconnection of nature with all things - both within and without.
Sometimes as a child, you have a conversation that transforms your life with a magic that lasts forever. This was one of those precious moments...
And the wide-eyed child said, "Tell me about emptiness". The flower spoke to her, "Do you know why they call me Bleeding Heart? Sit and rest your mind, and let my words speak to your soul".
"Our life force is very similar, my sister. Before my physical being began from seed, germinating as you call it, I began gathering all the gifts I needed to grow – air, sun, water, soil, and special energy that lies within what you might call 'the emptiness'. Although I needed some ongoing tending, but I knew I would be taken care of by this 'emptiness'.
The young child knew that these words rang true somewhere deep within her. She eagerly awaited more tender morsels of truth and asked, "Should I be afraid of this thing called emptiness?" Bleeding Heart lovingly replied, "That is the irony...many do exactly that with those things least to be feared. Take my name, for instance, 'bleeding heart' is often thought of to be a reminder of pain and heartbreaking situations. This is only true for those who look at the negative side of their experiences. Often the things that require us to grow and which challenge us also bring the tools to do our 'inner gardening'. Many people think that to let go of these painful situations is too difficult because they are afraid to feel that 'emptiness'.
"You see, dear one, that emptiness is where you will find your truth...your strength. My gentle sister, you must learn to welcome it and to let go of those things that have brought you pain or discomfort. For the lesson is neither in the pain nor holding onto it. It is in the releasing and experiencing of the gifts and new strengths that the lessons have enabled you to develop. Do not be afraid to go towards the emptiness...the void. It is your inner light...your inner garden. It will blossom forth with wonderful and joyful things, if you do not stand in its way.
"Those obstacles and lessons are like tending that garden...weeding out those things that are no longer needed and to make room for those things that give you beauty and joy.
She now understood and wondered about the unending cycle that Bleeding Heart endures. "But what happens when you wither and die in the fall"? Bleeding Heart explained that "this natural process is an evolutionary one. All of creation goes through this cycle followed by a rebirth, having taken on a new form. True, it may not look like the old, but a transformation has taken place nonetheless. The essence is still a part of this form. The 'emptiness' has been part of the new creation."
"Many people get sidetracked thinking that the love and beauty in their lives is outside themselves. They must return to this emptiness and know that this is where it all begins. This essence, or spirit, is interconnected. It is like a garden where many varieties of plants and flowers coexist. Earth is a garden where the human species must learn to be in harmony with each variety of its species. This, too, will take place within the 'emptiness' of each person. Like nature, there are many colors, hues, species, etc. and one does not have a higher place within the true substance of the universe."
"Each of us is a unique element of this evolution. Part of our journey is to know what gift we have brought, share it, and empower each other to do the same. 'Bleeding Heart' according to your Daniel Webster can be understood by breaking the words down. Bleeding means "the operation of letting". Heart means "the inner, vital, or most essential part; seat of the affections, will, etc.; disposition of mind; conscience; courage; spirit".
"My purpose is to lead by example so that others may know that letting go allows you to access the spirit and essential part of who you are. While it takes courage to do so, the mind and conscience must be at one. This will lead you home to that inner garden".
"Arise, dear one, fill your heart with this message, and share it with others. Surrender into your emptiness to find the fullness of life and become the wholeness that is within!
I lovingly embraced Bleeding Heart thanking her for this divine gift. It was time to leave and tend my inner garden...for this is the essence of who I Am!
© Gardner, 3/18/93, revised 2002
