Practicing Empathy: Open today’s window to empathy.

As you imagine the carpenter working diligently, the scent of fresh basil wafting through the air from the windowsill, consider the powerful lesson of empathy that unfolds within his modest workshop. The carpenter’s hands, seasoned by years of crafting and repairing, move with gentle precision, a testament to the care he pours into each creation. His work is not just about shaping wood but also about understanding the needs and desires of those who come to him, seeking his expertise.

Empathy, as encouraged by Stoics like Seneca, invites us to step into another’s shoes, to see the world through their eyes, and to respond with kindness and compassion. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to embody these qualities, urging us to be tenderhearted and forgiving. In the carpenter’s shop, empathy becomes the invisible thread that connects him to his community, allowing him to understand and fulfill the unique requests of each patron.

Reflect on how empathy can enrich your own relationships. Like the carpenter who listens to his customers, consider how truly understanding those around you can deepen your connections and foster a sense of belonging. Empathy encourages us to pause and consider the feelings and experiences of others, creating a space where compassion and understanding can flourish. Perhaps it’s through active listening, offering a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need.

By practicing empathy, we open ourselves to a world of richer, more meaningful interactions, where each relationship becomes a source of joy and support. Let the lesson of empathy guide you today, as the basil’s fragrance fills the air, reminding you of the nurturing power of understanding and kindness in building a compassionate and connected community.

Big Beautiful Basil

Sowing

Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Use seed trays with a potting mix as light as a feather's tickle, tuck seeds in 1/4 inch deep, and keep them snug at 70°F.

Growing

When Jack Frost has definitely gone, it's time to roll out the green carpet for these leafy divas outside, keeping them 12 inches apart. Basil grows is sunny areas and ones that get a bit of shade, too. A soil that's not too soggy is best.

Winter Work

Basil doesn’t much like the cold. Keep it cozy inside during winter in a window garden or under grow lights.

Yummy Dishes

Basil's the party animal of the kitchen, spicing up Caprese salad, pesto, tomato sauces, and margherita pizza.

DAD WAS HERE  👴🏻 You may not like basil, but the pesto’s yet to come  👵🏻   

Superpowers

This mighty little herb isn’t just here to look good—it fights off bad bacteria, calms nerves, and helps your tummy feel tip-top.

There's More!

Basil, a beloved culinary herb today, has a history as rich as its flavor. In ancient Greece, basil was associated with royalty, and its name is derived from the Greek word "basilikon," meaning "kingly" or "royal plant." It was believed that only the king himself could harvest it, or it needed to be cut with a golden sickle. This regal association underscores the esteem in which basil was held across cultures, transcending its commonness in our kitchens today.