[This post was first published on Enroute365 in April 2007, but after a weekend of yard work -- my way of reconnecting to Mother Earth -- I've decided to republish a slightly modified version at this time.]
A number of years ago, my husband and I bought a house surrounded with
sumptuous landscaping. Out of necessity, I took-up weeding. Oh, we
could have hired a service, but Frank and I are chronic
do-it-yourselfers, the types that would rather spend hundreds of
dollars on lawn and garden equipment than ask for help.
And this is a good thing. Because it gave me the chance to rediscover dirt.
As a child, I’d always been fond of dirt and digging and mud-pie making. But over time I’d forgotten. Forgotten how good the earth smelled after a rain and how it easily could be moved and shaped. So now reminded of this pleasure as an adult, it wasn't long before I'd abandoned my garden gloves, preferring to work with my bare hands.
To Frank’s amazement, I soon announced that I’d take over the weeding; I wanted the excuse to play in the dirt. But there was more to it than that. As much as I enjoyed the feel of connecting to the ground itself, I grew to love working with plants, plucking out the undesired encroachers and adding in those we saw as beautiful: hen and chicks, vinca, hostas, phlox.
As my confidence grew, I started creating new, blooming spaces where none existed before. A late-riser by habit, I began to rise early in the morning eager to begin my work outdoors. Neighbors would warn me, “it’s too hot today,” and I’d promise to finish early. “That’s quite an ambitious project,” they’d say. And I’d agree, but it was too late. I was already halfway done.
As time wore on, I came to realize that it wasn’t the dirt that drew me to yard work. Not even the plants. Rather it was -- and is -- my way of making an inner connection. I came to understand that in the wee hours, I can still see the traces of my dreams. In the morning's stillness, I can hear the messages of my soul. And with my hands busy in labor, my mind is free to explore the thoughts that reveal themselves to me.
I began weeding to keep the yard neat, tame. But I continue weeding to discover myself, my hidden voice unrestrained.
Do you have moments or activities in which you can hear your still small voice? How do you experience this personal phenomenon? What has it taught you about yourself?
Stumble It!
Max, I'm so glad you dropped by and appreciate your comments! You brought out a great aspect of hearing that "still small voice." When you refer to "being ready to see and hear beyond the apparent reality," I think that is key. It's not just taking the time; we can all fill up gardening time and its peaceful silence by listening to our MP3 players and what not, but to hear our inner voices (and, depending on your personal beliefs, maybe even the voice of God) we purposefully must be READY to listen to the stillness. Thanks again for the visit. I certainly will be returning to your blog to hear more of YOUR wonderful voice!
Posted by: Brenda F. | June 03, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Hey Brenda,
First of all; thank you so much for having visited my blog *bowing*! I loved your comment, your views and I think that we should interact more, if it is all right with you :D!
Now, about this wonderful post: how I understand you! Working with dirt is quite therapeutical and it is incredible how it (just like many other activities) opens our mind to receive messages, that we are suppose to receive, more easily! It is like our thought, our mind reunifies and is ready to see and hear beyond the apparent reality.
To answer your question "Do you have moments pr activities in which you can hear your still small voices?" - oh yeah! When I wash anything and iron my clothes I hear my "still small voice".
"How do you experience this personal phenomenon?" - I just listen and wait to see how it will reflect in my life.
"What has it taught you about yourself?" - it has taught me that I am more patient than I thought and it made me realise that my connection with the Creator is stronger than I expected.
This was a wonderful moment! I shall be back :D!
Cheers
Posted by: Max Coutinho | June 02, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Hi! Just popped over again to thank you for all the support you have given me over the past 12 months. It's been great.
Take Care,
Peter
Posted by: Peter McCartney | May 31, 2008 at 06:46 PM
I've been enjoying all the descriptions of what each of you likes about gardening/yard work! I wish I would have understood this way back when I fought my mother tooth-and nail over weeding! She should never have told me it was a chore!
The Fearless Blog - "Peace surrounds me"
Peter McCartney - "My garden is my sanctuary"
pepsoid - "in focusing, the myriad complications of existence drift away"
Oh, yes! And Bernie who can delight in the results of his wife's work! It's important to take pleasure in the finished product, also! (At times, I've had a backyard eden and was too busy to relax in it!)
Posted by: Brenda | May 22, 2008 at 06:38 PM
You have eloquently explained why so many of us love gardening, urban or rural. When I describe to my family and friends that I love being out in the sun, heat, all sweaty and sticky filled with dirt from hair to toe, they look at me strangely. They don't understand when I say I enjoy the smell or fell of the dirt or that I am satisfied with the exhaustion as I stare at my plants and trees. Peace surrounds me as I work in my garden, pick weeds as you say, and although my garden is small, in my world it is huge! Thanks for such a great post. I enjoyed many of your other entries as well. You have a fabulous blog.
Posted by: the fearless blog | May 22, 2008 at 06:24 PM
Hi! My garden is my sanctuary. The many hours that I spend there alone gives me time to not only get on top of things, but to clear my head, work on life strategies, and contemplate how I can go about doing things better.
Yes, gardening can be a back breaker at times but the positives outweigh the negatives.
To be able to stand back and take in what you’ve created is a blessing.
If gardening can help me do all that, it has all been worth it.
Posted by: Peter McCartney | May 21, 2008 at 12:10 AM
I will admit that it has become difficult to hear my “still small voice” of late… but mowing the lawn the other week came close! Must be something about outdoors-y-ness, connecting with nature and doing work which might be described as “mindless.” One clears one’s mind and focuses on the minutiae of a simple task… and in focusing, the myriad complications of existence drift away…
The “still small voice” doesn’t say much… sometimes it just hums… sometimes it is just a “still small smile”… I think I need to find more ways to make its acquaintance! :)
Posted by: pepsoid | May 20, 2008 at 05:19 AM
I will admit that it has become difficult to hear my “still small voice” of late… but mowing the lawn the other week came close! Must be something about outdoors-y-ness, connecting with nature and doing work which might be described as “mindless.” One clears one’s mind and focuses on the minutiae of a simple task… and in focusing, the myriad complications of existence drift away…
The “still small voice” doesn’t say much… sometimes it just hums… sometimes it is just a “still small smile”… I think I need to find more ways to make its acquaintance! :)
Posted by: pepsoid | May 20, 2008 at 05:17 AM
If you're ever in Maryland, you have to meet my wife. She continues to expand the planting beds in our 1 1/2 acre yard. The original owner of this place was a master gardner and got the ball rolling and my wife is trying to keep up the spirit of the place. Pretty soon I won't even need a lawn mower. My main role is hauling the dirt around. Despite my cynicism, I do enjoy the results. Hostas, roses, tulips, daffodils, vinca and lots of trees.
Posted by: Bernie | May 19, 2008 at 09:37 PM