Mindful Miles

My walk home, an hour and a half of undulating, meandering roads, is slowly becoming a comforting rhythm in my life. Yet, I confess, there are days when the thought of embarking on it, especially under a scorching sun, makes me hesitate. Today was one such day. But armed with half a bottle of water and my trusty hat, I put one foot in front of another, eyes fixed on my map, watching with relief as the distance steadily dwindled.

About three-quarters of the way through, something caught my eye, instantly lighting up my gaze. It was a sign on a particular patch of land just off the road, proclaiming a simple, profound truth: this area was left unmown, allowed to thrive naturally. I walked closer, drawn to appreciate the untamed beauty, and excitedly snapped a few pictures. Right in the middle of this flourishing field sat a solitary bench.

As I made my way to it and sat down, a powerful reflection bloomed within me. I saw myself, in that moment, in the light of this protected space, and it got me thinking. I began to wonder: what part of me needs this kind of protection? What is that one thing about me that is natural, perfect as it is, not needing “mowing” or interference?

I truly believe we all carry such a part within us. If we can quiet our minds enough to identify it, to truly see it, then we can be better prepared to safeguard it – from ourselves, from the expectations of others. We can learn to let it thrive, as it should, undisturbed in its authentic glory.

My curiosity led me to observe the dominant plant in this wild haven. It turned out to be the humble wild carrot – those delicate, lacy flower heads with edible roots, seeds, and blossoms. What truly blew my mind was learning that they are known to attract beneficial insects, like the industrious ladybug, making them perfect companion plants in any garden. And the most astonishing fact of all? They prefer nutrient-poor soils. Imagine that!

While I’ve seen wild carrots grow in other places, here, they flourish without threat, able to thrive at their own pace, naturally. This patch of unmown earth became a powerful metaphor, whispering a vital life lesson: True strength and beauty often emerge when we have the wisdom and courage to leave certain aspects of ourselves, and indeed life itself, untouched, allowing them to flourish in their own uncultivated, authentic way.

It’s in these spaces of natural allowance that profound growth and unexpected beauty can truly take root.