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Heart Reflection

Finding Calm and Emotional Healing Through Gardening

By Robert FreddyPublished 10 months ago 4 min read
Heart Reflection
Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash

One quiet afternoon in a cottage near the Jombor swamp, nestled among a row of comfortable houses with lawns, wooden fences and a backdrop of mountains, lived Meilani Sarri. She was a simple woman in her late thirties, with a warm smile and gentle manner. To ordinary people, Sarri's life seems ordinary, but beneath the surface, he carries a burden that weighs heavily on his heart.

Sarri has always been the gentlest and strongest person in his family. A loving wife, devoted mother, and reliable friend, she shouldered the emotional well-being of those around her. Her husband, Jonny, recently lost his job, leaving Sarri as the sole provider. Their teenage daughter, Ayu, is struggling with anxiety, and her aging parents need more care. The weight of this responsibility weighed on Sarri like an endless storm, making her feel like the earth and sky wanted to kill her.

In the morning, the sky was bright, Sarri sat at the kitchen table looking at his diary. The mounting stress had taken its toll on her, and she longed for peace from the demands of life that were so overwhelming in his head. Suddenly, inspiration appeared in his mind. She remembered his grandmother's enchanting garden, a place that had always been a source of comfort and calm during his childhood. Sarri decided to try gardening, hoping it would provide a much-needed escape.

His determination made, Sarri had the courage to go to a kindergarten near his house. She chose various kinds of colorful flowers, green bushes, small trees (Ornamental) and ketapang trees. The sight of the beautiful and cool plants filled his head right now with a sense of anticipation and hope that he had not felt in years. She bought gardening tools, soil, pots and was ready to start her healing journey.

The first day, Sarri started by clearing a small plot of land in his backyard. She dug his hands into the ground, feeling the soil between his fingers. When he planted the first tree, a feeling of calm came over her. Time seemed to stop as he focused on the task at hand, the worries of the world fading away for a moment.

The days passed, and Sarri's garden began to take shape. She spends every day of his free time tending to his plants, each representing his hopes, dreams, and prayers. She always enjoyed every process, from the rhythm of watering, pruning and weeding to his meditation. In this garden, she found a refuge from the noise of life, a place where he could breathe and be quiet to forget his boredom.

Over time again. The garden already looks fertile and Sarri's enthusiasm is growing. The act of caring for a living creature gives him a new purpose. She watched in amazement at the details of the process as buds turned into flowers, and once dormant seeds grew into vibrant life. Each bloom feels like a small joy, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder that beauty can still be found amidst life's challenges.

Sarri Park is also a place of refuge for his family. Jonny, noticing positive changes in his wife, began spending evenings in the garden, helping her with tasks that required extra help. Ayu also finds peace among the flowers and butterflies, a place where her anxious thoughts can be free for a moment. Sarri's parents, who were struggling with their own health problems, found comfort in the comfort of the garden.

In this case, it wasn't just his family who was touched by the wonder of the garden. Neighbors began to notice bright bursts of color in Sarri's backyard. Some stopped by to admire the flowers, and others asked for advice on their gardening endeavors. Sarri discovered a sense of community and love she had never felt before, connecting with others through his love of nature.

As the seasons change, so does Sarri's garden. Spring brings lots of colors, while summer fills the air with the scent of blooming roses. In autumn, the shady Ketapang tree he planted now begins to shed its leaves, a reminder that even if it is released, there is still beauty. And in winter, the garden rests, giving Sarri time to reflect and plan next year's growth.

Through the cycle of seasons, Sarri's healing continues. The burden on his heart had eased, and his spirits had become lighter. He has learned that just as he takes care of his garden, he also needs to take care of himself. She began prioritizing self-care and making time for meditation and self-reflection. The garden has become a mirror to her soul, reflecting the beauty and resilience within her.

One night, under the light of the moon, the garden was radiating warm golden light. Sarri sat on a wooden bench that she had placed in the middle of the garden. The sound of birds chirping filled the air, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees. She closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a deep peace wash over her.

Sarri has discovered that solace and emotional healing can be found in the most unexpected places, even in a small garden on the outskirts of the Jombor swamp. It is a testament to the power of nature, growth, and nurturing of plants and the human spirit. In his garden, he found solutions to all the problems in his life.

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About the Creator

Robert Freddy

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    Robert FreddyWritten by Robert Freddy

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