First thing in the early hours of every summer day, coffee in hand, I’ll say to my husband, “I’m going out to check on everybody.” By “everybody,” he knows I’m referring to all the plants in our lovely flower garden. Without fail, something new has bloomed, like the beautiful white snowballs on the viburnum bushes, something else has grown noticeably bigger, like the sunny-spot hostas, or something other, such as the groundcover sedum, has spread even farther.

Throughout the rest of the day, I very frequently pop outside and either walk along the garden or take to the rocking chair on the front porch. Not for very long, though, just enough to get a break from my writing, phone calls, or email.

Then, at dusk, following dinner, I’ll spend an hour watering the plants, trees, and pots. It’s such a special time for me and it feels almost sacred. Actually, it is sacred. Just like all the other moments I indulge in our flower beds, I’m practicing mindful gardening. It’s a way to get myself fully in the moment and to spend time with a divine presence.

By using all my senses to engage in the wonders and richness of our garden, I’m able to turn off my brain’s autopilot (not an easy thing to do) and simply be. I pay close attention to twigs snapping, water running, and birds chirping. I study the different flowers by looking closely at their petals, leaves, and stems. I taste the mint and chives. I feel the heavy blooms in my hands and breathe in their fragrances.

At times I’ll pause and reflect on whatever could have created this fullness of life. Those moments are especially rich when I stand under the front door overhang and listen to the rain.

One of the best ways to slow down the brain, reduce anxiety, and promote a calm demeanor is with mindful gardening. Repetitive movements, such as weeding, watering, and trimming, help get us into a meditative state. We’re lulled into a deeper connection with the natural environment as we focus on the vast creativity of the plant world. As we express gratitude for all that we’re hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, and breathing, our brain releases neurotransmitters that make us feel happier.

More importantly for me, however, mindful gardening brings me closer to the divine presence I hear is within each of us. I’m not yet aware of ever having fully recognized that presence, but, as with each seedling I tend, I want to help it grow.

For more on mindful gardening, here are links to other articles:

How to Be Mindful While Gardening
Mindful Gardening For Beginners – What is Mindful Gardening?
6 Ways to Garden Mindfully and Find Your Inner Calm