Seeds We Choose

Jack Kornfield says, “There is a place to plant a seed of forgiveness, a seed of justice, a seed of attention, and a seed of truthfulness.”

Life is temporary, but people often hold on to grudges very tightly. This affects both their mental and physical health. From my life experiences and spiritual journey, I have learned that to live a peaceful life, we must learn to forgive. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of forgiveness. Forgiveness helps both the person who gives it and the one who receives it, but most importantly, it brings peace to the person who forgives.

It is true that justice can change depending on our perspective. What seems right to one person may seem wrong to another. That is why it is important to be understanding and thoughtful when seeking justice. For example, for a hungry man, feeding his children may feel like justice, no matter how he gets the food. But for someone else, the way he gets that food could feel like injustice.

Love is the source of all good values, and care is what helps us grow. Without care, it is very difficult to grow in a healthy way. Attention is a form of care, and care is a form of love, just like parents give attention to their children. When we plant seeds of care and attention, we build strong and healthy relationships. Jesus Christ is a perfect example of this.

What is truthfulness? It means being honest, but it can also depend on perspective. As long as we do not harm others, being truthful is a good thing. However, if telling the truth hurts someone, it is sometimes better to choose kindness. Jesus Christ showed this balance in his life. At the same time, loyalty is very important for relationships, communities, and even a country. We cannot ignore the value of loyalty.

Every moment, we are planting seeds in our hearts and in our lives, and the type of seeds we plant is always our choice.