Gardening For Mental Health:A Journey Of Self-Discovery

Of late I have been exploring different hobbies to de-stress my mind. At the start of the dawn, I saunter around my terrace. I believe that this can be a productive way to relax. It’s really a refreshing moment when the cold breeze caresses my face.

Its an aesthetic delight to watch a flock of birds soaring in the blue yonder. The sound of birds chirping is very comforting to the mind. I glance briefly at my neighbor’s terrace garden while walking. Whilst tending to her plants, she gleefully waves at me.

Creating a garden space in the concrete jungle is a challenge. However, my neighbor has managed to transform her terrace space into a stunning garden.The sight of lush greenery interspersed with blooming flowers of varied hues is truly eye-pleasing.

Besides flowering plants like roses, sunflowers, hibiscus, and chrysanthemums, she has planted many herbs and medicinal shrubs. Whenever I step into her garden, it is redolent with the nice aroma of flowers and herbs. Many times I have used these herbs in preparing concoctions to treat colds, coughs, indigestion, and some minor ailments.

After tasting many such invigorating drinks prepared by me, she noted down the recipes and encouraged me to cultivate such indigenous herbs in my terrace space and pass on such cost-effective home remedies to the younger generation.

I began to ruminate on her advice.She was disappointed by my lack of interest in gardening and enlightened me on the numerous health benefits attached to it. Following her advice, I chose to give gardening a shot.I went to the nursery and got some saplings and flowerpots that were filled with manure and earth.

After carefully planting and watering the saplings, I placed the pots on my terrace. I envisioned my terrace becoming a lush space. But to my dismay, the saplings started to wilt on the very second day.I hurried to my neighbor’s place to salvage my saplings.

Alternately, I used Google and browsed articles on gardening. I gained knowledge of the intricacies and applied various gardening techniques mentioned in the write-ups. My saplings began to show signs of revival after four days.

The stem began to sprout small leaves. A eureka moment occurred! I have never felt so ecstatic before. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before. That day, I considered myself a Demigod resurrecting the dead to life.What started off as a casual hobby has now opened up a path for self-introspection. I have begun to view gardening from a philosophical perspective.

Gardening has given me valuable insights that I want to share :

• Listening to good advice is really a life-changing experience. It helps you find solutions to the most complex issues. My neighbor’s advice proved to be very beneficial. She was instrumental in helping me create a small garden space and enjoy one of the best stress-busters activities.
• Don’t let setbacks discourage you. If you don’t succeed the first time, you can still succeed in subsequent attempts.
• Weeding out negative thoughts is essential for a healthy mind, just as it is essential for the growth of new plants.
• Expecting results quickly is pointless because things take their time.

I have six flower pots as proof of my conviction in faith. As the tender leaves sway in the air, an important message whispers in my ear, “Growth is the essence of life”. Today, a leisurely walk on the terrace has become a pleasant experience, because I can enjoy the little greenery that adorns my terrace.