Gardening teaches us so much, and hugely aligns with yogic philosophy:
-Santosha (contentment)-OK so you haven’t got a bumper crop of potatoes this year, but enjoy the process and savor the few you have! This pic is from our first potato crop a few years ago we were so proud, they were small but we didn’t care they were delicious! Also be grateful for the outdoor space you do have, there are so many without.
-Asteya-(non stealing) I’m not talking about apple scrumping! But giving back to the soil-learning to compost and about the “no dig” methodology-working with the soil and your garden’s eco system, seeing the bigger picture.
-Tapas-(discipline) you’ll get out what you put in! Just like our minds what we nurture will grow, and we need to choose to prune (or compost!) that which no longer serves us.
-Satya (truthfulness) & Aparigraha (Generosity) The gardening community is amazing. People share their wisdom, and knowledge and support one another, and of course share bounty if they have too much!
-Ahimsa (non harm) gardening without using pesticides and damaging our environment, supporting wildlife and saving the bees!
-Asana (seat/posture) gardening gets us moving into all kinds of shapes, it keeps us physically strong. But for me also it makes me mindful of when I’m getting carried away doing one repetitive thing and to stop and rest or I’ll pay for it tomorrow and my body will make me rest!
These are just some off the top of my head but the more you garden the more you find parallels to life and living. If you’ve not been bitten by the gardening bug I’d encourage you to have a go, not only is it very satisfying to grow veggies and flowers but it’s proven to be great for the soul too. Even the nations most beloved gardener-Monty Don is a keen advocate of gardening for mental health. The mental health charity MIND run gardening workshops and many hospitals and rehabilitation centres are now emphasising the importance of outdoor spaces, sensory stimuli, vitamin D and fresh air-our grandparents were right of course! Energetically you may have heard of “grounding” or simply having bare feet/hands in the earth-research is young, but many studies show decreases in pain and fatigue, increased blood quality and reduced stress when we connect physically with nature. Much like our sound healing sessions-it’s all vibration and frequency-mind blowing stuff. Also if you have Netflix have a watch of “secrets of the blue zones” it follows areas in the world where people statistically live longer healthier lives-pretty much all of the people garden everyday! There is so much gardening inspiration out there if you are wondering where to start-chat to green fingered friends-people love to share seeds and tips! Or head over to the garden centre, find some inspiring Instagram or you tube videos, or connect with the local community events or plant sales. Start small and see where it takes you. Anyway, try and get those hands (or toes!) in the mud I always feel great (albeit a bit achy) after a of day of gardening!
If you would like to follow me and my little family on our gardening journey you can find us on Instagram @freyjas.garden