Mindfulness and Metaphors: Starting a Garden During COVID-19
Planting with Obstacles in Mind
Whether you water a house plant or are planning a larger scale food and flower garden, you can draw on the metaphor of Growth, Dedication, Focus, and Meditation. From start to finish, planting is a mindful practice and now more than ever, can be the hobby you’ve been missing out on.
We learn about the plant life cycle in elementary school, so you are likely aware of the steps of growing a plant from a seed. When stores are open and the many products out there are available for a quick pick up, the planting process is significantly more convenient… but it wasn’t always like this and during the experience of COVID-19, we are returning back to our old fashioned roots (no pun intended), so to speak.
In Ontario, stores are starting to open with strict guidelines, some of which can deter you from leaving your home to pick up supplies if you’re uncomfortable with wearing a mask, for example, but also want to follow the rules. Of course, there is curb-side pick-up and deliveries but when you need grass seed that must be spread before it rains, you simply can’t wait.
So how do you prepare?
Well, the last two weeks or so I have been anticipating the start of planting season and the possible obstacles that COVID-19 could create. In about 20 hours of accumulated time, I have sifted and cut out all of the weeds in my grass, raked out the dead grass, and laid seed. I’ve also dug up the flower bed and the grass around a tree, with plans to add more colour to the front of my home. It’s been exhausting and hard work but at the end of the day I feel rewarded, fulfilled, and happy.
I absolutely attribute these feelings to mindfulness! When I am outdoors and working with my hands, I am focused on the task and mostly nothing else. I notice the blades of grass that need help (ie. Fertilizer) and the weeds that need to be replaced with grass seed. I am aware of the aches and pains in my back and the stretching and strength of my muscles. Before I have even planted anything, I have created a mind-body connection, a quiet mind, and space for physical activity and vitamin-D absorption—all things that are proven to increase happiness and all great qualities of a mindfulness practice.
And So the Metaphor Begins
The weeds are removed, and the anticipation of consistently needing to weed the grass and garden is present. The excitement of new growth and the patience to see results begins. You may have already thought about what you’re planting at this point and have made preparations by putting seeds in soil and watering your tiny growing plants. If not, you’re getting ready to do so. You are watering and caring for the plants by ensuring they have enough nutrients and sunlight. You check them regularly for new growth.
If the weather co-operates, you’re likely planting the little guys by end of month in healthy soil and a well-lit area. You will continue to water, clip/trim/prune, fertilize, and check on your plants for a while before you harvest.
It would likely take a whole other post to talk about the many metaphors planting offers but one that is quite timely is a personal growth and mindfulness practice. Do you want a life with lots of reward? Do you want to harvest great memories and experiences? Then more often than not, you’ll need to put just as much time and dedication into yourself as you do into your plants.
The odds of your plant producing ‘fruit’ are proportional to the work you put in. Likewise, your growth will depend on the work you put into yourself. I invite you to ask yourself the following questions:
How can I prepare for growth? What can I do to set myself up for a dedicated practice?
Which areas do I want to grow in? Select the seed. What do I want to grow in my life?
What are some activities I can do that will help my project grow?
How might I cope with the ‘weeds’ that show up? What is a healthy, sustainable practice I can implement that will help me commit to removing the weeds?
And when you’ve come up with your plan, act on it! Always reflect on your daily tasks, have patience throughout the growing process, and celebrate the fruits of your labour.
Be Kind. Dream Big. Empower Yourself.
