Contemplative Gardening

 - Oasis - 

(c) 2019 Linda M. Rhinehart Neas

The rippling melody of water trickling into the pond immediately triggers a Pavlovian response. Cares and worries seem to melt off my shoulders. The birds sing harmony to the pond's fluid notes. 

The sun is bright, but still not hot as it has just peaked the green fringe of North Sugarloaf. I kneel before the garden, like a disciple before an altar. A zephyr gently moves the hair from my eyes, as a bend to clean winter's waste from around the verdant seedlings that are now appearing.

In this Sacred Space, my mind focuses on those I have promised to pray for over the past weeks. I picture each person like the tiny shoots sprouting before me, whole and full of life. I dig my hands deep into the mulch asking for forgiveness for the times I didn't want to get my hands dirty. I stake and secure stems too weak to stand against wind and rain as I offer prayers of gratitude for that which supports me and all those I love. 

As I rise from the flower bed, I feel the satisfaction of a job well-done. I admire the beauty of the garden, reveling in the hints of what is yet to come to fruition. I mindfully hold the lesson that what will be tomorrow may not be seen today, knowing that trust and faith helps us as we await the harvest.  

Walking slowly to the house, I pause by the pond. One final prayer of thanksgiving lifts on the fluttering prayer flags as a tiny butterfly delicately dances across the upturned faces of pansy and violet.

Blessings to all!