Perspective Shifting
"When you change the way you look at things,
the things you look at change." -Wayne Dyer
Tea Time
When I was a child my mama held "Tea Time" as sacred. 3:00pm sharp.
Two elderly women in our neighborhood shared her perspective.
Chleo's home always smelled like soup and every piece of furniture was covered in hand-made doilies.
Aunt Ruth (not actually my aunt) washed her laundry by hand and had a clothes-wringer that you could crank when you walked through the back door.
After school, I knew to find mama at one of their homes.
Together, they talked.
Eating cookies and sipping tea.
Looking back, I have come to see their sacred practice of "Tea Time" with a new perspective.
Perspective Shift: It was communion.
It's sacred value apparent only when I was mature enough to see it from a different perspective.
Circumstances: A Little Rain Falls
“Life is simple.
Everything happens FOR you, not TO you.
Everything happens at exactly the right moment, neither too soon nor too late.
You don't have to like it... it's just easier if you do.” ― Byron Katie
Rain happens.
My fields, accept it with such gratitude.
Challenges happen.
My perspective defines their purpose.
If I resist, question, argue, wallow...
their value is lost.
If I look deeper, I am prompted to ask...
"What is the opportunity?"
Opportunity For:
Gratitude (Really? Yup).
Growth (What can I learn?).
Forgiveness (A gift offered to myself, alone).
Trust (This rainy day does, indeed, contribute to my thriving).
Perspective Shift: Each raindrop is FOR me.
What teachers my fields have become.
Nature: Deep Friendship Opportunities
“There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein
One of Jane's Goodall's very best childhood friends was Beech.
Beech is alive to this day.
"Jane would often...
Climb into Beech's branches.
Press her cheek against Beech's trunk.
Feel the sap flowing beneath Beech's bark."
("Me...Jane" Patrick McDonnell)
As an herbal tea farmer, I'm learning...
Such intimacy with nature is acquired when I change my perspective.
Perspective Shift: Flowers and ladybugs can indeed be dear friends.
"It is a magical world full of joy and wonder."
And we can each be "very much a part of it" if we choose.
(McDonnell)
People: Little Light Bearers
“If you don't find God in the next person you meet, it is a waste of time looking for him further.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Farm tours have become a highlight of life as an herbal tea farmer.
What I'm learning:
Like plants, humans grow in a variety of shapes & sizes.
And, when I honor their:
Ideas
Curiosity
Experiences
Temperament
They shine their light into my farm and my own experience expands + brightens.
My Mama's way: "Tea Time".
Honoring Chleo and Aunt Ruth's counsel of years.
My way: "Farm Tours"
Honoring the variety and enthusiasm of human beings who visit my farm.
Perspective Shift: All humans have a light to share.
Let me always be grateful for their presence.
Dear Retail Partner,
My hope is that each of your days is viewed with a shifted perspective.
Sacred.
Like communion that was "Tea Time" with my Mama, Chleo and Aunt Ruth.
Gratitude that each raindrop is FOR your thriving.
Friendship with the miraculous plants that inhabit our customers' teacups.
Reminders that each human, young and old, has a light to share with you.
As always:
Thank you
I'm honored to be your herbal tea farmer.
Be well,
Shannon