- Freshly Picked
Raspberries
Nature provides many object lessons for us, if we but observe and reflect on them. Yesterday, I decided to pick raspberries from our organic garden. The experience was personally enriching because of all the symbolism that came to mind while doing this simple, yet satisfying task.
Perhaps, you too, have observed life lessons while being outdoors, enjoying nature. Whether working or playing, when we are fully present, we are open to insights and moments of pure pleasure. Such experiences often enhance our spirituality. And, I have to believe that it can only make our caregiving better. Here are a few of my observations and reflections while picking raspberries.
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Be prepared. From previous experience, I knew that I needed to protect my arms and legs from being scratched. I put on a long-sleeved shirt and wore full-length pants. It was mid-afternoon, so I wore a wide-brimmed sunhat, as well.
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Timing is everything. Yes, I was sweating in the afternoon sun, but it was the best time of day to avoid being mosquito bait. It was much more pleasant than what I had previously experienced in the cooler early morning or evening, for that very reason.
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Expectations have a way of being realized. My sister picked berries the day before. She suggested that I wait another day or two, to make it worth my while. But I expected to be rewarded with enough berries for Sunday dinner and to send home with a visiting relative. As you can see from the picture, we had plenty.
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Act–just do it. Like many things in life, it often doesn’t matter where we begin. Just starting where we are and doing it, is what counts. I have to remind myself of that whenever I write, clean, or file papers.
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It often helps to stand back and change perspective. Many of the berries were not apparent until I stood back and saw them from a distance. Likewise, many of them were lower on the bushes than I would have expected.
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Stay in the present. A few times I tried to reach too far forward and almost lost my balance. It was a good reminder to take small steps and reach within my grasp. It’s an important concept in self-care. But a little stretching was beneficial and rewarded.
