I don’t know about you, but I am fascinated by artichokes. Odd little vegetables unlike any other really. That’s probably why I’m so taken by them.

I remember when my mother used to prepare them for dinner and as an exotic, rare treat, we loved them. But it wasn’t just the slow ritual of peeling off each leaf, dipping it in butter and then sucking on the yummy pulp. It wasn’t the unique two-step process of eating the leaves with building anticipation for the lucious heart that lay hidden beneath.

Artichokes tell a story.

Artichokes have a mythical personality.

Artichokes understand boundaries.

Pushing aside the gushy canned version of artichoke hearts, I made my very first attempt to prepare them myself last night.

As I was scraping out the purple fuzz, I recalled the conversation that inevitably ensued as our somewhat broken family gathered around the dinner table happily distracted by the rite of eating. I didn’t understand how something so wonderful could “choke” anyone, so I asked my father, “can they really do that? Has anyone every really died from eating an artichoke?” I needed to know.

My father’s reply was, “Probably.” (He was a quiet guy back then.)

I was entranced! We were eating something dangerous and delightful with a personality teetering between heaven and death. If I ate just one strand of that spiney stuff layered on top of the heart, that could be it. Thank goodness I had my parents to show me just how to navigate the prickly beast and avoid joining the ranks of the few that have choked on these treasures.

“What a complicated, wonderful vegetable!” I thought last night. “These odd little guys know boundaries! They have leaves and leaves of protection with little prickers at the end of each leaf and a lethal layer of fuzz above the heart. Wow!”

If I didn’t understand artichokes and judged them for what lies at the surface, I’d kick them to the curb and never discover the jewel of the heart that lies within.

My daughter in Japan called this morning. In fact, she’s called every morning for the past few days. She misses home and is thinking seriously about transferring back to UMASS, two hours away.

In the Human Design system, she has the Gate of Extremes, so it’s right in character for her to attend college in Massachusetts then Australia then Tokyo and then back again to Massachusetts. She’s also what we call “experimental” by design (I am too actually) and has to try several things before she knows what she wants.

If I didn’t understand my daughter and her unique, treasured qualities, I could easily get frustrated and view her as unfocused and struggling.

So how do the angels fit into all of this?

The angels never judge – anything – and are always focused on our divine potential, nothing else. In working with them, they help us to also focus on only what is good and right so we can discover our own heart jewel that lies beneath the fuzz as well as the jewel within others.

We are fast approaching the holidays and many are making plans for where they will go, who they will see. Many are also beginning to anticipate family dynamics that might not feel harmonious.

Whether or not you fit into this category, this is a perfect time to begin a morning prayer before you even get out of bed.

“Dear angels, I create this day in love, joy and abundance. I trust that all my relationships today will be steeped in kindness and compassion. I welcome the gifts and opportunities that this sacred day brings to me! I welcome your guidance of love and wisdom into my life today.”

Prayer with your angels helps you bring focus to what you DO want and to let go of what you DON’T want. As inspired, try this and see how it works for you.

If you’re already practicing daily prayer and continue to experience challenges, try tweaking your words and revisiting your intention. It always goes back to intention!