A Life Witnessed

During March my practice was quite busy and thereafter Covid-19 hit South Africa. I was so consumed with all to which I needed to tend, that I did not walk around to the back garden of our home for weeks. One day, during a rainstorm, I suddenly remembered that most of the drought-resistant ground covers were potted in old pots which has no draining holes.

After the storm I walked to the back garden only to find most of these little plants drowning in their pots. I placed them on their sides, drained the rainwater and moved them under cover. As I stood looking at the row of these usually robust plants which now looked very pitiful, I remembered the well-known idiom: ‘a farmer’s footsteps are the best fertilizer’. In the moment, I realized that I should have applied this lesson to my garden because due to my absence, I was oblivious to what had been happening to my plants.

By sharing and communicating our lived experiences, our lives become witnessed. In turn, we become the witnesses of others’ lives. A life witnessed is a life noticed. A life noticed invites care, awareness and connection. We need to fertilize our relationships by being present. By noticing. By taking care. By being aware.

When last did we really look to see the other’s soul? Listened to hear their heart? Consider what their silence might hold? When last did we even reflect on our own state of being? Please remember to check-in not only with yourself, but also with family, friends and colleagues by being a compassionate witness to their lives and those things which are meaningful to them.

In the landscapes of our emotional gardens, there are many seasons. Let us be mindful and aware of our different needs in our respective emotional landscapes and seasons. By being present and giving some of our time, we can help others to survive and even thrive during challenging times.