As a yoga teacher, my connection to nature runs deep, yet my skills as a gardener are still developing.
Join me on this journey, dear reader, as I immerse myself in the world of gardening, experiencing the rewards and challenges of nurturing small patches of soil and witnessing changes within.
Take a moment to consider the humble dandelion. Despite being seen as a pesky weed by many, it boldly displays its vibrant yellow petals and thrives in various landscapes. Just like the dandelion, we all face challenges in life. Are we overcoming them with a closed heart or with resilience and self-assurance? We can learn from the dandelion’s unwavering confidence in its own worth and unique gifts.
The garden is a treasure trove of valuable life lessons for those willing to observe and learn. Whether you have a traditional garden, a container garden, or potted plants at home, each offers insights. As new gardeners ourselves, my husband and I planted flowers and vegetables early this year—despite the cool weather and frost warnings—eagerly awaiting their growth.
Let’s turn our attention now to the teachings offered by our gardens, regardless of their size or location. Here are a few:
Embrace imperfection, for it is what makes us unique. Striving for perfection in every aspect of life is a tireless pursuit with no end in sight. Imperfect roses and cabbages are as stunning and flavorful as their flawless counterparts. Similarly, with all our flaws, humans bring beauty and vibrancy to the world. Our imperfections are what set us apart and make us extraordinary.
Pruning improves growth. Removing old habits that don’t serve us opens new possibilities for growth in areas that do serve us.
Pay more attention to your health than your appearance. As author William Longgood wrote, “Over-fertilized plants may be beautiful but are otherwise useless, like people whose energies are devoted so completely to their appearance that there is no other development.”
Regular maintenance is important. It’s much harder to clear an overgrown jungle of a garden than to regularly pull encroaching weeds. Think of the clutter that can accumulate in our homes, the extra pounds that are harder to lose than to keep off in the first place, and the overwhelm or illness that can result from too little self-care.
Have faith. Plant a seed, water it, and trust that it will grow. Similarly, believe that the shifts you make in your life, the dreams you hold dear, will fully blossom if you nourish and protect them.
Don’t be afraid to try new approaches. The garden is an incredible laboratory for experimentation. What new approaches do those old problems in your life need? Trial and error is one of life’s best teachers. Not trying is the domain of hopelessness.
Be aware of predators. Predators don’t take long to damage the result of your careful cultivation in the garden and life. What toxic relationships, substances and emotions are feeding on your energy and taking away from what you have to give to others? Give yourself permission to eliminate them, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries.
Transform your trash. The compost heap turns rotting plant waste into a rich, organic fertilizer treasure pile. What negative patterns in your life can you work to transform? When we do the hard work of breaking these patterns down, the results are often rich and beneficial to our lives.
Everyone is unique and needed. Everything in nature has a function that is interdependent. As famous naturalist John Muir said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” Rock, plant, bird, bee—even bacteria in the soil—all occupy a vital place in life. What is your purpose, your gift to the world? Who do you depend on? Who depends on you?
Something important happens every day. Take the time to notice the little everyday miracles in your gardens and in your life.
The garden is a powerful teacher of life lessons that can guide us towards personal growth and self-awareness. Observing nature’s resilience, patience, and beauty teaches us to embrace imperfection, cultivate faith, and practice regular self-care.
My morning meditation looks different right now. With the rising sun, I gently and lovingly pick weeds and deadhead my plants—a pruning process of removing old growth and seed heads to promote new growth and re-flowering. At the same time, I embrace the principles of patience, mindfulness, and growth in the garden as I do on the yoga mat.
Like the plants in our gardens, we have the potential to nurture, grow, flourish, and contribute uniquely to the world within and around us.
With joy and gratitude,
Jeannine
Adapted from author’s content and used under license, © Claire Communications
