Q & A
Question:
You seem to be very aware of the symbolic meaning of things. Was there a reason you chose the motif of the fern leaf for your book?
Answer:
I wanted to use a leaf, green leaves symbolize healing and growth, but wasn't sure which leaf to use. My sister suggested a fern and I immediately was drawn to it visually. I then researched the symbolic meaning. I came across a number of different meanings attributed to the fern, but particularly liked that the unfurling of the new leaves one after the other speaks to the unfurling of the self and continually growing throughout life. In some cultures the fern is felt to be a guide to hidden treasures. While I think of ferns as being delicate, they are in fact quite hardy and are able to grow in difficult surroundings.
One of the things I love about symbolism is that the metaphor goes far beyond simple definition. Larger ideas and multiple meanings are evoked through considering the symbol from different perspectives. The fern seemed a wonderfully fitting symbol to use.
Question:
I like the changing clothes ritual, and have been using it. Sometimes it works really well for me, but sometimes it's hard to let go of things that are really bothering me. Is there something else I can do on those days?
Answer:
Look at what's bothering you and decide if it's something you truly need to address, such as a problem with a co-worker or an issue with the doctor. If so, hang it up in the closet along with your shirt, and resolve to deal with it tomorrow. Then close the closet door with the clear intent to shut it away from your life for the rest of the evening. You could even plant a seed that tomorrow morning when you open the closet door to get dressed, you will have the insight needed to solve the problem. (I find that sometimes this kind of suggestion helps provoke the perfect solution.)
If you're upset about something that isn't truly of great consequence in the larger picture, such as someone being incredibly rude or thoughtless, offer yourself the empathy you'd show someone else - or that you wish someone would show you. Then, throw your anger, frustration, or hurt feelings into the hamper along with your dirty socks and let go of it. If you catch yourself still irritated about it later, remind yourself that you wouldn't walk around the house smelling your dirty sock, you'd throw it in the dirty clothes. (I thought of this recently when something kept bothering me, and the thought made me laugh. Employing a sense of humor usually helps diffuse anger and counterbalance these small, but emotionally charged woundings.)
