The Metaphor of Rootbound

He (she) that lies on the ground cannot fall.

(Yiddish Proverb)

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I had to use scissors to free the roots. For too long the plant had been forced to make do in a pot far too small until today, when finally it was given the means and the dignity to grow and expand again.

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It was about time. The plant entered my house auspiciously several years ago and for some time it flowered and prospered. But as time passed and sunlight dimmed, I forced it to be its former self even when I knew it needed a new space and a new life.

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Every living thing needs roots: they ground us, hold us firm in high winds, mark where we belong.

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But sometimes through choice or fate they become so tight and tangled that it is no longer healthy to stay planted.

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Sometimes they need a wider space, and sometimes they need wings.

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It's not easy to pick up the scissors and snip away. It's not easy to trust that untested wings will fly.

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But...

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Staying potbound can be fatal if you wait too long.

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Today I snipped some roots that were long overdue.

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I added new soil and more room.

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It's almost spring time here.

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Time for new growth.

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Time for replanting and replenishing.

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Time for more sunlight.

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Time a healthy boost of fertilizer.

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Untangling roots can be messy, that's for sure, but I'm here to say it's worth the effort.

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In fact, the plant has been whispering thank you all day.

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love

kj