7 Life Lessons You Can Learn From The Garden
“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.”
—May Sarton
I don’t think anything has taught me more about life than my garden. Nature dances to a quiet rhythm, unaffected by others’ opinions or judgments, living in the present moment with acceptance of what is but also with the graceful perseverance and resilience to keep growing, no matter what.
Harmonizing with plants and growing my own food brings me peace, nurtures my spirit, and provides a sacred space to reflect, listen, feel, and reconnect with my authentic self. Today I wanted to share seven lessons from my garden.
Grow Where You’re Planted
Focusing on what I have, the good things and even the maybe not so good things, fosters a more grateful heart and an inner awareness and sensitivity to the light and love around me. Life definitely has its tough moments. Well, let’s be real….sometimes it can be a bit longer than a moment. But somehow, the world keeps turning, the sun keeps rising and the plants keep growing.
Trees are one of my favorite gifts of nature—magical, awe-inspiring creations, reminding me to grow, grow, grow, and grow some more. About ten years ago I remember having an ah-hah moment while feeling rather entangled with a few challenges. I felt a quiet invitation to observe a weathered pine tree that stood nearby, and then it spoke to me: do you hear me complaining about how crooked and old I look, or asking if these branches make me look fat, or making a fuss because no one has noticed me?
It was so silly yet so obvious. Grow where you’re planted and stop complaining. Thank you oh wise one.
Q: Are you growing in the way you desire? If not, what can you do differently that will change that?
2. Nurture Yourself
Plants thrive in fertile soil with appropriate amounts of water and sun for their species. The more balanced and tailored nourishment they receive, the healthier and stronger they become.
Last fall I transferred my beloved heirloom roses from the temporary pots that had been serving as their home for many years into the ground. They burst into life this spring, and bloomed not once, not twice, but three times and with more fragrant flowers and taller stems than I had ever seen.
So too in my life. The more I nourish myself—not just with healthy food and lifestyle choices but with a balanced, authentic approach to my emotional and spiritual space, my mental capacity, and my physical spaces and possessions—the more vibrant I feel.
I find simple and meaningful ways to nourish my body, mind and spirit on a regular basis. Sometimes that means pressing pause on whatever I’m doing to invite stillness into my being—conscious breathwork for a few moments calms my mind or treating myself to a long walk.
Q: Are you feeling nourished? Find one simple way to nourish your self today. You are worthy of that attention.
3. Growth Take Times
I still remember the next morning after I planted those roses. I eagerly rushed to the living room window to see if they had grown. Alas no. Unless you’re a zucchini, growth doesn’t happen overnight.
Growth occurs gently over time, through contemplation and reflection, action, re-evaluation, trial and error, persistence, patience, and periods of rest to re-group.
I’ve learned the importance of embracing the journey without rushing the process or being overly concerned with a particular outcome. Even if it seems at an imperceptible pace, I’ll get there, one step at a time and often in the least expected way, for my process of growth is actually far more valuable than the destination itself.
Just like brewing a cup of tea, it takes time for the alchemy of thought and spirit—the blending of knowledge and experience into purposeful, meaningful, and intentional action.
Q: Reflecting on this past year, in what ways have you grown?
4. Focus on Roots
If a plant hasn’t developed strong roots, it likely will not reach its full potential nor survive a breeze, much less a stout wind, without breaking. The quality of my life, level of resiliency, and ability to stay grounded amongst the storms that come my way is directly related to the quality and depth of my roots.
Dalai Lama said: “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.”
My mental distractions, beliefs, habits and emotions all affect my ability to grow, change, and live the life I desire. Cultivating and nourishing healthy roots is an investment in myself that creates a worthy foundation that will see me through whatever comes my way.
Just like in an ocean, there may be stormy seas on top but beneath that choppy surface there is a quiet stillness and peace upon which I can rely and remain grounded.
Q: What are you rooted in?
5. Making Space
Plants thrive when they have adequate space. Over-crowding impacts the proper balance of water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Whenever I feel crowded, I know it’s a sign that my internal or external space needs a good sort through—whether that be material possessions, habits, perspectives, or mental chatter.
Holding on to something from the past that no longer serves me not only occupies energetic space in my being which prevents inviting something new into my life, but also prevents closure and letting go.
Making space for what is important fuels my creativity, inspiration, and purpose… because I’ve made a home in which those can live.
After all, if there’s no space, there’s no room for growth.
Q; What areas in your life are feeling crowded and in need of a good clear out? Make a plan and schedule some time for that this week.
6. Change is Constant
If there’s one thing we can count on, it surely would be change. Watching seeds sprout, grow and bloom, and then fade away, all in rhythm with the natural course of nature, reminds me of the need to adapt, relax, trust the process, and embrace the mindset that change is ok. If things didn’t change, I’d be weeding, watering and wondering about having too much produce on a daily basis!
Change isn’t always welcome, nor the change I desired, but trying to go against what is only brings me frustration and unhappiness. In order for me to keep growing, change is a necessary ingredient in the process. Change allows for new beginnings, a fresh start, new perspectives and opportunities.
Q: What is your relationship with change?
“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.”
—Cynthia Occelli
7. Nothing Lasts Forever
Lilacs, tulips, allium, and peonies are the first to bloom in the spring, with the leafy greens and radishes making the first appearance in the edible garden. As spring transforms into summer, more veggies are showing their bright faces above the soil and roses fill the air with perfume. By fall, the tomato plants are nigh unto ten feet tall and I’ve run out of ways to eat them. And then before I know it, the first brisk frost of late October has announced that this season of gardening has officially closed. No refunds and no extensions.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve learned to embrace the here and now with more grace, accept what is, what has presented itself and what surrounds me. And yes during some chapters that has meant having zucchini, tomatoes, beets, cucumbers or peppers for breakfast and lunch and dinner—relishing every morsel for soon there will be no more homegrown, backyard organic goodness until next year.
That is ok. That is the cycle of life. The sun comes up, the sun goes down. Tomorrow is another day to live my magic.
Epilogue
Winter is on the horizon, bringing with it yet another chapter of change and the need to adapt. A more inward season; a time for reflection, resting, planning, and for faith that the earth will indeed grow and bloom again. As will I.
