During the winter months, the seeds within our gardens lie dormant. This is the time of year when many gardeners plan what new seeds to sow, which plants to move or remove, and where to prune when the weather becomes warmer. And, it is the rich soil forming within the gardener’s compost pile that can provide the nutrients to support new growth.

In these contemplative winter months, we can similarly attend to the gardens in our consciousness.

How do you cultivate the garden within yourself? How do you save the waste materials and turn them into compost? When you encounter a metaphoric weed within yourself, are you also able to see the flower it can become? Or do you sometimes find yourself painfully aware of having missed the mark in your thoughts, speech, or actions—disappointed in or even angry at yourself, wondering how or if you can become the person you long to be?

Mindfulness and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) are ways of connecting with our deepest values so that we can choose, with understanding and compassion, how we want to be in the world. By learning to communicate nonviolently with ourselves, we sow the seeds of compassion for all beings.

As a way of preparing for this evening, you are invited to consider this question: How do I talk to myself when I regret something I’ve said or done?