Monday Matters – Good Soil by Iyanla Vanzant

I am continually amazed at daily routines that symbolize the powerful lessons of life. I am also aware that we are constantly being called to a deeper awareness of how to align ourselves with the ever-present Presence of God.

While buying soil to re-pot two over grown plants, I discovered that buying dirt, like living in alignment with our Source, is no easy matter. I discovered that there are many of brands and several types of soil. Each brand offers promises of success. Each type of soil offers a different benefit. I thought to myself, “Isn’t this just like life? Every choice we make is geared toward success, however, why we want that particular success and what we “buy into” to be successful will determine the end results. I just wanted to save my dying plant but life had more than that in store for me.

On each bag of soil there was a color chart indicating what the soil offered, with suggestions for use with different types of plants. I thought to myself, “This would be a great tool for picking partners in relationships! If only I had known what group all of my ex’s fit into, I would have chosen differently – – maybe!”

Lord! Can I just buy some dirt! Certain plants need the red group soil. They have long, thick roots requiring more nutrients. Other plants need the blue group soil because they are exposed to more sunlight and require more water. Still other plants need the green group soil because they have both thick roots and require exposure to direct sunlight. I had no idea what kind of roots my plants had or how much sunlight they required. As I stood there fondling the bags of soil, I realized how I had sometimes failed to apply these same principles to my life experiences. When I didn’t understand the root cause or purpose of the experience I had not been properly equipped to handle the requirements of the experience. Too much light or too little water I concluded was the same as giving too much, doing too much or not knowing what to give or how to give it. My windowsill was filled with plants, dying from my lack of awareness. My life had been filled with experiences that reflected my plants.

Soil represents the energy of consciousness as well as the conditions in which we find ourselves. Moment by moment, our responses are clear indicators of how deep our roots run and the kind of nourishment we have or, may need. When we are deeply rooted in the laws and principles that nourish consciousness, experiences do not cause us to wilt. When we are confronted with the heat of challenging experiences, we quickly discover if we have been receiving the right kind of nourishment.

Daily spiritual practice nourishes the soil of consciousness. Practical application of the guidance and insights we receive adds to or drains the nourishment of the soil. With a deep breath and a moment of stillness I realized that my plants were like me. They needed soil from the yellow group. They had long roots that run very deep and, they are constantly exposed to the heat of a very public life – – they live in the kitchen, where everyone gathers. Also like me, my plants must be watered frequently. How about you? Have you checked your soil lately?

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About Iyanla Vanzant:

Iyanla Vanzant is the best-selling author of five books on self-empowerment, personal growth and spiritual healing. As the founder and executive director of the Inner Visions Spiritual Life Maintenance Network, she conducts workshops, seminars and lectures nationally. Drawing from her own experiences of family dysfunction, abuse, and poverty, Iyanla encourages us all to look at ourselves, laugh at ourselves and then take the necessary steps to heal ourselves. Her practical message is based on the principles of universal law, self-determination and the power of Spirit. You can learn more about her work at www.innervisionsworldwide.com.

Iyanla has recently appeared several times during Oprah’s Lifeclass webcast segments. You can view the classes here: http://www.oprah.com/oprahs-lifeclass/oprahs-lifeclass.html

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Written by Iyanla

Iyanla Vanzant, accomplished author, inspirational speaker, talk show host and living testament to the value in life’s valleys and the power of acting on faith, goes behind closed doors and deep inside people’s lives for emotional, riveting conversations in the new hit series- Iyanla: Fix My Life

Iyanla has had a unique life filled with many personal struggles, which she has overcome and used to become stronger. Now, she’s back, helping people fix their lives, using her past to help others’ futures. Secrets will be revealed, truths will be uncovered and emotions will come out as Iyanla teaches us how to pull back the curtain on what is broken in our lives.

Iyanla: Fix My Life is produced by Harpo Studios. Join the conversation on Twitter using #FixMyLife

IyanlaFixMyLife.com