For me, gardening is a form of meditation, creation (and destruction) and relaxation. As I weed through my patches of thyme lawn, I hear the bees buzzing around me. I feel the textures of the different plants I tend to, I see the beautiful colours of blossoming plants and I smell the flowers throughout the season....this is one of my mindfulness practices.

Spending any time outdoors improves our health and more time spent in the dirt can actually improve our wellbeing. Soil contains bacterium called Mycobacterium vaccae has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including its ability to act as a natural antidepressant. Research has shown that exposure to this bacterium can increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can contribute to improved mood and reduced anxiety! We are, after all, animals. The more connected we are to the natural world, the better we feel. It's also an easy way to get some stretching and exercise in.

Gardening has taught me patience (weeding), acceptance (when the wildlife ate my tomatoes) and a quiet joy as plants develop.

Gardening also has the bonus of growing your own food. There is something very satisfying about picking a tomato right from the vine and garnishing it in a salad with freshly grown basil. That's the result of a creative endeavour!

In my neighbourhood, gardening connects us. My buy nothing group offers seed swaps and exchanges of plants every year. In our isolated spaces in front of computers, phones, etc., this is a beautiful way to stay cnonnected to each other with a tangible result.

Don't have space for a garden? There are lots of community gardens in the area where you can stake a plot!

Check out: Community Garden Network | Sustain Ontario

And for more info on mindfulness: Mindfulness - Holistipedia

For a list of resources, please see: Resources - Holistipedia.

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