The following definitions are for the sole purpose of this book and the understanding of its content. They are not in accordance with a standard dictionary:

GARDEN-

The garden represents Our Present Life. It is our reality. It is our perception and our experiences in the world. It is our relationships with others as well as with our selves. It represents all that we see and all that we are, and all that we become. It is the outward expression of the thoughts (seeds) that have been planted into our soil (mind).

SOIL-

The soil represents our Mind. In order to grow a garden we must have soil. Each of us comes into this world with very fertile soil; soil (mind) that produces whatever seeds, (thoughts) are placed into it. The soil is the place where the seeds (thoughts) take root. Once we have an understanding of how fertile our soil (mind) is, we will be aware of what seeds (thoughts) we plant into it. It is important to remember that with time our soil (mind) if not cultivated and used properly will lose some of its fertility.

SEEDS-

Seeds represent our Thoughts. Every thought is a seed that is planted into our soil (mind). Every seed will grow and it will grow into whatever is contained within it. (Example: a watermelon seed will grow into a watermelon, it will not grow into an apple) Since every seed is a thought, it is important to understand thought entirely and how it works. Whatever we place our attention (water) on, we are holding it in our thoughts. This being the case means that every word we read, every song we hear, everything that we see on television, every conversation that we have, every interaction-all of these require our attention which flows into our thought. All of these thoughts are seeds that are planted into our soil (mind). Every thought (seed) creates just like itself.

WATER-

Water is represented by our Attention. Our attention is the water that makes our garden (life) grow. Without water (attention) our garden cannot grow. Whatever we place our attention (water) on is what we will see grow in our lives (garden). Whatever seeds (thoughts) we water is what grows in our garden (life). The choice will always be ours as to what we will water in our garden. Water is necessary for all living matter. By observing the living matter in our garden (life), we know precisely what we have been watering. Simply put, if it’s alive and growing, we have been watering it with our attention.

FERTILIZER-

Fertilizer is represented by External Positive Forces. Fertilizer is capable of helping make our soil (minds) more fertile and more capable of producing a magnificent garden (life). It’s not required, but can be of great assistance when used. Fertilizer can be people we look up to and admire, and/or books that inspire and encourage us. Anything that is external, that uplifts us, inspires us, motivates and encourages us and supports the growth of our garden can be considered fertilizer. We must know when to use fertilizer and when not to. We never want to become dependent on the fertilizer. It is only to be used as an aid for the growth of our garden (life).

PARASITES-

Parasites are represented by External Negative Forces. These are the things’ which interfere with the growth of our garden. These things can be people, places, substances, etc. Anything that is external that does not support the growth of our garden is a parasite, and if not controlled and/or eliminated, they can and will consume and ruin our garden (life). Parasites (external negative forces) are things that always come into the garden. They never grow out of it. They are external, not internal. Parasites slowly consume our garden, tiny pieces at a time. They feed off of our garden (life), leaving us weak and vulnerable.

WEEDS-

Weeds are represented by Internal Negative Force Thoughts. Weeds are also things that interfere with the growth of our garden. The difference between weeds and parasites is that weeds grow out of the soil (mind) internally and parasites come into the garden, externally. Weeds too, are seeds that have been planted in the soil. Weeds are things like doubt, guilt, shame, worry, fear, anger, hatred, jealousy, judgment, and many more internal negative force thoughts. In tending to our garden, we spend a lot of time and energy watering the weeds (internal negative force thoughts) instead of weeding them out. Through time we come to understand that if we truly want a beautiful garden (life), there is no place in it for weeds. Any internal thought that we have that does not support the growth of our garden (life) is a weed. Weeds affect the growth of our garden more than any other factor.

Do not let another moment go by in which you are held captive by your lower self. It is your time. It is your moment. And the moment is now. All you have to do is be willing and ready, apply the techniques in this book for understanding the power of your thoughts and your attention, and all else will work accordingly to create for you, the life that you desire. This, I promise.