When the world wearies and
society ceases to satisfy,
there is always the
garden.
~ Minnie Aumonier
G
|
arden
therapy. If it isn’t a term, it should
be.
There are many things that bring me peace and a sense of
relaxed well being. A deep conversation
with a friend. Soaking up the beauty and
majesty of a mountain range. Writing in
my journal. Improvising on the piano.
But there is something special, something “other” about working
the garden while the dew still quivers on every blade of grass, and the breeze
gives lingering caresses to the trees.
There is a sacred silence that respects my separateness, yet at the same
time, embraces me as kin.
Out here, there is just me, the earth, the sun, the air, and
the water. It is primal, yet ordered.
Silent, yet filled with the sound of life.
Restful, yet energizing. There
are no bills to pay, no deadlines to meet, no work to be done but the original
work of tending the garden. And this
being the country, there are no neighbors two inches away to raise an eyebrow
when I coo over a tomato plant, scold a wondering cucumber arm, caress a newly
born squash, or philosophize with a dragonfly.
And even if someone did happen upon me, why should I feel embarrassed?
Plants have been known to grow faster and taller when they
hear Beethoven, why shouldn’t they listen and be soothed by the gentle cadence
of the loving voice of their caretaker?
Two more cucs are ready to pick, and I praise them for their
beautiful length and healthy green skin.
I gather basil and arugula and a few cherry tomatoes. I stand still, take a full, deep breath, and
with eyes closed, raise my face in quiet joy to soak up the gentle warmth of
the sun. I shut out everything but the
ripeness of this moment. In another hour
or so, life with all its dysfunction and petty heartaches will seize my
attention, and drain my energy. But right now, there is no pain, no heartache. I kneel before my tomatoes and set them free
from weeds.
And in return, they pull the weeds of care from my soul.
Oremus pro invicem,
~ Mikaela
Is your garden a
place of peace? What are your favorite
quiet moments of the day? Morning,
afternoon tea, or right before bed?
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