Invasive weeds are those that have escaped from their natural habitat and run rampant through the landscape like an invading army. They often take over those more delicate and sensitive plants, those inclined to live in harmony and balance with their neighbors.
Invasive weeds might form mono-cultures where much native vegetation is wiped out, nuance and balance destroyed, diversity and variety steamrolled, communities of living beings ruined.
They take over. They replace, they bully and subdue. To remove them, you must dig the deepest roots, tease them out of soil, and remain vigilant. One missed root can grow in the dark out of sight until it gains strength again, finally sending out more and more shoots and roots.
Encourage those native plants you wish to grow by strengthening them, providing the conditions they need to thrive.
Just as invasive weeds can take over a field, a garden, a pasture, a flower bed, invasive thoughts and beliefs can root deeply into the brain, shutting down the assimilation of new information, burrowing into all areas of life, infecting, destroying nuance, new ideas, novel thoughts, creating a one-track mind, a mind that thinks in black and white, that is closed to growth.
Thoughts that served you well as a child, passed down from your family lineage may be harmful or hold you back now that you are an adult and can think for yourself.
These invasive and harmful beliefs and thoughts can be identified and questioned then rooted out with love and patience. Gently tease them out by the roots. Shine a light on them in the spirit of healing and growth.
Ask Grandmother Cottonwood 