Trying Something New
This past Sunday I listened to the final episode in Elizabeth Gilbert’s podcast series: Magic Lessons. In the episode she talks with Brené Brown, who is well known for her TED Talk on vulnerability, as well as her extensive research on courage, worthiness, and shame. The two women discussed creativity, shame, doubt, and fear. I found myself hitting pause, jotting down a line, and then rewinding to make sure I caught each word. They navigated their way through shame, soul work, and the importance of freeing the maker within us. It was the dialogue on fear that got me thinking. Brown said: “What is worth doing even if I fail”. She did not state the classic line, what would I do if I knew I could not fail; she left failure in. I think that we often get caught up in taking leaps of faith with the big things, the potentially life changing bound into the unknown. Yet, I also think it can be brought down to simply trying new things.
nn
Two weeks ago I took a Herb Harvesting and Preserving class at the Downtown Market. This summer was my first venture into herb gardening. This garden of mine consisted of four containers of herbs varying from the traditional, well-known basil to chocolate mint (the perfect addition to your morning cup of coffee). I did not, and still do not, have much clue about what I am doing. There are a handful of reasons for my interest in herbs. I love cooking and baking and wanted to begin incorporating more herbs into both. I also secretly glowed at the idea of being able to state that I tend to an herb garden.
nn
The beauty of these classes at the Downtown Market is that they provide time and space to see if you even enjoy something: whether that be composting, tuscan cooking, crafting infused drinks, or houseplant maintenance. I knew I liked herbs, but did I like them enough to want to dig deeper? While I did not leave the class as an expert, it gave me a small, but helpful base of knowledge: making wise selections between annual and perennial herbs based on what you prefer to cook and bake; purchasing the right potting mix; allowing time to figure out the patterns of each plant’s watering cycle. Harvesting is a way of caring for your plant. It is a part of the process. A herb plant is not your average houseplant that just keeps growing the more you feed and water it. And our instructor mentioned that sometimes you fail. It may not work. You may over water and rot the roots, the plant may wilt, or pests could take over. Then you have to ask yourself are these plants worth saving? It is okay to fail.
nn
You may sign up, take a class and then find you do not want houseplants, or composting is outside your capabilities, at least now you know without having invested the time and money. You may like houseplants and run home to purchase a windowsill full of them. Composting might be a tangible thing for you to do in your own backyard. These classes at the Downtown Market provide the basics. They also provide a way to explore new hobbies, ideas, and processes in a safe environment. They are the platform where the tools are provided to take the next step. From there you can go to the library to check out books, take more classes, or simply practice through trial and error. My class included a take-home planter of three herbs. Now I can practice what I learned in the class with my page of notes and these new plants. I know I want to continue forward. Of course it is scary, all new ventures are, even simple ones such as herb gardens, but that is okay. If there is something I have learned in the recent months it is to allow yourself time. It takes time to learn, to form habits, and fall into rhythms. And you may fail, but if it means something to you, it will be worth it.
nn
The Downtown Market has a calendar full of classes. You can browse through them here. They offer have an assortment of classes and activities on a weekly basis. Ever want to make your own terrarium? Here is your chance.