In the busyness of modern day lives, finding a space that allows for the feeling of peace may include multiple trials. For some, traditional mindfulness practices might not be the key to unlocking that inner calm that is so widely marketed.
On and off over the last five years I have given some form of meditation a try but I was never able to experience progress allowing me to make the habit stick.
Feel no Shame
There is no shame if you have had similar experiences relating to mindfulness practices. There is no one size fits all, we are all different. Dr. Willoughby Britton has published research showing that there could be adverse effects attributed to mindfulness practices. Although there is a vast array of mindfulness practices to explore, depending on your goals, there may be a lesser-explored route. One that does not only connect you with nature but that can also serve as a metaphor for personal growth.
Sleep deeper tonight with the bedtime wind-down meditation guide — breathe, release, lights out.
Let’s talk Gardening
Here we are talking about gardening.
Gardening and growing things are not the same for everyone. It can take many forms, often depending on your personal situation, preferences, and lifestyle. Some enjoy meticulously tending flowers, while others enjoy growing fruits and vegetables to eat. Others still may believe that garden means having a perfectly manicured lawn while apartment dwellers may bring greenery indoors through houseplants or even terrarium gardens.
If you are anything like me you may have explored mindfulness through some form of meditation practice but have not experienced the results you were hoping for. For many of us a close connection with nature, especially plants and fungi can provide a sense of calm and gratitude that may be likened to experiences achieved through other means.
There is something therapeutic about getting your hands in the soil, walking through a forest preserve, or even planting bean seeds with your child in early fall, knowing that winter will soon kill the beans. It could be in those moments when you realize the world slowed down. The act of watching something grow can become a powerful meditation in itself.
Nurturing More than Plants
Incorporating nature into our living spaces has well documented benefits. Hospitals with indoor plants report faster recovery rates among patients, and studies suggest that having a room with a view of a greenspace contributes to overall well-being. There is more than just having plants nearby. When you care for and participate in the growth of plants is where you may see real benefit. This may be another way to shift your focus away from yourself.
If you look, you might see the similarities between caring for plants and personal growth. In both, progress is usually gradual, often imperceptible in the short-term, becoming clear over time. Developing a new skill or habit, demands discipline and consistent effort. Growing plants requires the same. Although there will certainly be challenges and setbacks the key is in perseverance. The key is in understanding that growth is a process.
Patience is hard to come by in the modern world of instant gratification. Growing plants will teach patience. Seeds, not even beans, sprout into flourishing plants overnight. Similarly, making progress in your personal development requires patience. Each watering, fertilizer application, or maybe even pruning of your plants could become a metaphor for taking small deliberate actions contributing to greater outcomes in your life.
Everybody needs purpose, caring from something outside of ourselves can foster a sense of purpose, even if it is small. Regardless of how you enjoy plants, be it in the flowers, harvest for the table there is a tangible reward that comes with a sense of accomplishment. As with many other things, if we recognize it, this same sense of achievement can be transferred to other areas of life. Often serving as a reminder that progress in any endeavor is worth celebrating.
Farmers are probably the most intune with the seasons and cycles of nature, gardeners also but to a lesser extent. With the changing seasons your plants go through periods of growth and rest. This cyclical rhythm offers a perspective that can easily be missed in the daily grind. Building awareness and maybe even befriending the cycles of life can bring a sense of balance and acceptance to your own journey.
Gardening or growing plants is not just a hobby; it could be a practice that can serve as a metaphor for many aspects of life. As you tend to the needs of your plants, you might very well also be cultivating resilience, patience, and a deeper connection with the natural world. This connection may nurture your own growth in ways that go beyond the boundaries of our green spaces. Whether you have a big sprawling garden of a cactus on your windowsill, think of how you may also be cultivating a flourishing life.
If you enjoyed reading this, go browse other posts under our Thoughts and Ideas section.
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