Who knows how wondrous this world might be if only more miracle seeds were planted?
I am among those who imagine what miracles might take root, and work to see that garden of peace and joy come to life. The following is a very brief introduction to four types of miracle seeds you can plant. Think of this post as a seed catalog you thumb through on a wintry day with dreams of tender lettuce sprouting and tomatoes ripening on the vine!
When I was still working with students each school day, I was guiding them to use the Four Agreements to find inner peace in the hopes that some would go a step further and become peacemakers. I noticed that there were several things I was constantly campaigning for, in addition to those four essential agreements. I began to see the Four agreements as undergraduate work in social emotional education and began to think of what we came to call the LEAF as the advanced degree work.
When introducing these ideas in later years, I would start by saying I knew a way to guarantee miracles would occur every day. Upon hearing this, kids- and their parents- would lean forward in their seats. (Souls are naturally hungry for miracles.) I would gently explain that I knew how to give miracles, but not necessarily how to receive them. Some at this point would swivel away. These were not ready to be the gardeners our world needs. But more than a few would look at me with a certain spark in their eyes and I could see their interest was ignited. These were the ones that would put the following steps to use.
Miracle seeds: hard to sow, but ready to grow.
L stands for Love. Love myself and others, especially the unlovely.
E stands for Encourage. Encourage myself and others, especially the misbehaving.
A stands for Ask. Ask for what I need and want honestly, prepared to hear and accept “no”, rather than demand my own way.
F stands for Forgive. Forgive myself and forgive others, as swiftly as I can, even if no one ever, ever, ever says sorry.
The LEAF method initiates chain reactions that are unfathomable in our ordinary mindset.
- When the unlovely bits and pieces of each of us are accepted and nurtured, incredible healing and redirection takes place.
- When the misbehaving receive encouragement a cycle of rejection, and the rebellion inspired by that rejection, is brought to a halt, a superior identity can be embraced and more healing takes place.
- When people are offered the dignity of a respectful request, they often rise to a level of graciousness they otherwise cannot access, and acrimony- even wars- might be avoided.
- When forgiveness, especially “undeserved” forgiveness, is applied to frayed relationships, a profound emotional shift often follows that benefits all involved through the power of redemption and reconciliation.
I do not know of a way to guarantee you will receive a miracle each day, but I do know how you can give them. Blessings to all those who will plant miracles. Our world is waiting for the courage and wonder of your sacrifices as planted seeds, and the miracles that are sure to follow.
This post is dedicated to the New Leaf School students
who helped develop the LEAF concept,
especially those who put it to use.
