…these two topics intertwine in my heart and soul as Spring Equinox approaches… a time of rebirth, growth, blossoming… And I want to share two links with you, to TED talks that touched me deeply, and speak of the aliveness, the vitality, the absolute awesomeness of our potential…

Ron Finley is a guerilla gardener in South Central LA.  He speaks in earthy terms of how it’s possible to transform a desert of despair, fast food, cement and run-down everything into life and hope and growth and health.  Have a look here.  It’s a power packed ten minutes.

As you watch, I invite you to consider an area of your life might be a bit like a desert.  Could  some love and attention, some creativity and yes, encouragement, help it to transform and blossom.  For me one fertile area has been my habits around food and eating.  Maybe I’ll tell you more about this foodie journey in another blog.

And apropos of Spring:  How does your garden grow?  There are wonderful ways to grow some of our own food, no matter where or how we live… apartments, condos, homes… Maybe you’d like to consider getting some seeds or bedding plants and getting your hands dirty this year!

And here’s the other talk, relating to growth and rebirth.  If you’re short of time, you can come back later, but please do, especially if you have children or grandchildren in your lives, and be uplifted by this project — the children:  their passion, their creativity, their potential. Sugata Mitra speaks about some possible futures of learning, and then brings generations together in astounding ways!   I wouldn’t have dreamed anything like this possible.  I just love it when that happens!  Watch it here.

Can you recall a time in your life where you felt the difference that someone’s encouragement made?  Was it a teacher, a parent, a grandparent?  Are there people in your life, young or old, where you could offer encouragement and wonder, instead of advice, information, opinions?!!  For me the answer is a resounding yes, and I can’t wait to put it into practice.                                                                                  

I would be pleased to hear your comments and experience regarding your deserts and your experience of encouragement, offered or received.

Jill Schroder is the author of BECOMING: Journeying Toward Authenticity.  BECOMING is an invitation for self-reflection, and to mine our memorable moments for insights, meaning, andgrowth.  Check the website for a sample chapter, or see the reviews to get a flavor for the volume.  Follow me on Twitter, let’s be friends on Facebook