Cultivate the mind like a garden
Dig out the weeds
Rake the soil
And plant the seeds of love, peace and beauty

Create a garden filled with possibility
Ask yourself what thoughts you would like to have blossom
Thoughts of despair and defeat
Or thoughts of love, hope and joy

Elements of sorrow rain down, Fertilizing the new growth
New shoots spring from the ground of wisdom and compassion
And the wind carries the fragrance of the new blossoms to the nearby fields and glades

Water, till and work the soil
Cast away old habits, negative thoughts, judgments and hate-filled wishes
Desire the rain of truth, clarity and understanding to fall daily

As your garden grows
Readily share the fruits of your labors

- Quan Yin (through Mary Ann Parr)