Thinning Raspberries — Less is More

This is an excerpt from the weekly News-Loveletter. If you would like it sent to your inbox directly (with all the other juicy bits, including a mini joy practice), you can add yourself to my mailing list here.

Somehow, spring snuck up on me. At the point-of-no-return, I see green erupting from the raspberries. Every year, they sally forth, and I think oh! I meant to trim them before this.

I remember the year I discovered with astonishment that it’s advisable to prune so that 8-10 canes remain within a square foot. These canes are topped to a tidy medium/short height. And then the bushing begins! Greenery spreads in every direction, and within 6 months, you cannot see through the raspberry thicket.

It reminds me that sometimes, less is more. That’s not what I first learned in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). I was taught the four components of expression: observation, feeling, need, and request. It’s a mouthful.

Over time, I ran off the tracks. I love the color and texture of words too much to stick to the straight and narrow. Over time, I’ve learned to prioritize awareness about how a conversation feels, awareness of my own and others’ needs. I’m interested in empowerment, mine and yours, preferably working together in co-creation. This is NVC too, but not the way it’s typically shared. The joy component is all mine, and I believe the two practices amplify each other.

The raspberries know what they’re doing. More room per square foot means more space to grow, to feel your way. Sometimes, less is more because it leaves room for co-creation.

Are you ready to hone your skills, get more of what you want, and get less of what you don’t? Co-creation awaits! I hope you will join us for the free Compassionate Communication (a.k.a. Nonviolent Communication) with Joy workshop coming up soon. After these 2 free workshops, I don’t plan any more until next November!