I have read:
A king went into his garden and found wilted and dying trees, shrubs, and flowers. The oak said it was dying because it could not be tall like the pine. Turning to the pine, he found it drooping because it was unable to bear grapes like the vine. And the vine was dying because it could not blossom like the rose. He found heartsease blooming and as fresh as ever. Upon inquiry, the king received this reply:
“I took it for granted that when you planted me you wanted heartsease. If you had desired an oak, a vine, or a rose, you would have planted them. So, I thought since you had put me here, I should do my best to be what you want. I can be nothing but what I am, and I am trying to be that to the best of my ability.”
You are perfect as you are. You are already in the space called paradise. Start enjoying life and do not make a problem out of it. The moment you create a problem by comparing yourself to others, being jealous, feeling less than, you stop enjoying paradise. How can you enjoy this perfect space unless you solve the problem? And one problem creates another, and another, and another! Life is not a problem! Buddha says, “Life is simple.”
The word heartsease means peace of mind, tranquility. This beautiful heart-shaped pansy with its purple and yellow flowers offers the same wisdom as Buddha offers—life is simple. Be who you are. God created you. Consider the respect the universe has given you by creating you—an individual, perfect as you are.
The heartsease contributed its unique fragrance while the others tried to be something other than what they were. A garden needs the uniqueness, energy, and individuality of each plant, flower, and tree. Contribute your own unique beauty to the garden of life.
Love & light
Jeanne Adams