Roses for a Philosophical Garden
I was fretting after the election that our country was still
in adversarial mode. It seems to me that we could be working together for the
benefit of people rather than the advancement of political agendas.
It was in this frame of mind that I taught my Wednesday
morning class at the local recreation center. We did not talk about the
election and what divides us but rather what we can do to help those affected
by Hurricane Sandy. We discussed how supporting ourselves in positive ways can
help us to support the people we interact with – family, friends, neighbors,
those we meet casually or formally.
When class was over, one of the participants handed me a
bouquet of peach-colored roses. She thanked me and said how much she enjoyed
the sessions. I was touched by her gift. It reminded me that appreciation is a
beautiful gift we can all offer.
I thought of our politicians. They have a new chance to
encourage each other to help our country fulfill it promise. Wouldn’t it be more
functional to give appreciation for what works instead of trying to negate it
to boost an opposition opinion? And if something isn’t working, why not dig
deeper into the situation to find seeds of other possibilities while
maintaining an atmosphere that nourishes growth?
What a marvelous philosophical garden we could have if
everyone could plant his or her people-supporting ideas within our society.
Some of them would not prove viable, no doubt, but some might be just what we
need. And it wouldn’t matter which side of the aisle the planter came from
because a good idea would grow into something beautiful and benefit all.
I am grateful for my roses and for the kind appreciation
they represent. Yes, roses have thorns but their splendor makes our cautious
handling worth it. Governing presents thorns, too, but when we work together,
when we genuinely cooperate, we can grow a magnificent garden.
Interested in growing roses? Here is a site to get you
started:
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