Words from the Heart

Spring has arrived at our corner of the world full of all the delights of verdant awakenings.  For the first time in weeks, I feel calm and balanced. Why?  I spent most of the afternoon in the garden. Gardening is a contemplative practice. Like meditation, gardening empties the mind, allowing the gardener to open to Nature. When I garden, I get into the zone so completely that several hours will pass, and I will feel like I have only been outside for a short time.  The thing the really amazes me is that while my body will be tired, my mind is at rest. Honestly, I feel like I just woke from 10 hours of solid REM sleep. Interestingly, I just read an article on "forest bathing" or shinrin-yoku. According to scientists, being outside with the trees and Nature is super beneficial to our health. Gardening has the same effet on us. You can learn more at: Shinrin-Yoku Contemplative Gardening May the rebirth of Nature bring you peace and balance.  Blessings...

Nature has a lovely way of surprising us.  So often, where we see decay and waste, suddenly we see beauty spring forth. Nature teaches us lessons.  Bloom where you are planted.  The daffodils in the picture above are a brilliant example.  Hanging tenaciously to the side of the pond, they are blooming in profusion; a welcome sign of spring. They could be washed away if there are heavy rains or crushed underfoot, but in spite of that, they bloom. We, too, can bloom where we are planted in spite of difficulties and hardships.  This is a lesson I have learned over the years that once again has become evident in my life. Image via Wikipedia The past year I have been struggling to find a full-time position.  I have several part-time jobs writing and teaching, but nothing permanent and nothing that gives benefits.  I could look at this as a negative, but instead, I have found that it is an opportunity, almost a calling, to do something new with ...