By Linda Wiggen Kraft
In this time of gift giving, it is the garden that gives us its greatest gifts: healing and hope. There is so much healing that our world needs, along with needed hope that will allow us to take action to better the world. At home, it’s been hard weeks since the U.S. election. How do we all heal from the rifts and fears? What about our country’s problems and the problems and pain of other parts of the world? Where and how do we find healing and hope so we can go forward?
First we can look to nature to give perspective on the power of life. The cycle of life goes on as the blooms of summer transform into fall seeds for the future, and the resilience of inward quiet winter is preparation for the rebirth of spring. Recognize how powerful nature is. Take that wisdom in, with a deep deep breath. Become one with earth’s time by honoring this inward quiet time of winter and letting its quiet sink in. Surrendering into nature’s rhythm often helps with healing.
When we spend time in the presence of nature and our gardens we gather their energy, wisdom and power. A simple walk in nature or into our gardens brings the energy of the earth into our bodies and hearts with each step. We feel our steps and earth does too. An exchange takes place. Walk slowly, allowing time to soak up the beauty of nature in all seasons. Attention can awaken awareness and connection. Walking in a dance sends signals to earth of your rhythm and an invitation for earth to dance back. Time sitting in nature and our gardens is another way to gather earth’s energy. Walking, sitting or dancing can be done year round in most weather. When it is warm enough, spend some time with bare feet touching the earth. The power of earth’s energy brings body, mind, soul and earth into alignment, thereby healing us on all levels.
Winter is also the time to surrender to the power of hope. We find it in the tiny seeds that contain the universe of life. Hope is in every seed. Seeds are the carriers of life that feed our bodies and souls. The plants that grow from seeds feed us and give strength to fight for truth and peace.
Spend time planning your garden. Dream when the seed catalogs arrive. Order seeds or better yet gather some that were collected from your garden. Hold seeds in your hand. Buy some dry beans, seeds after all. Let them run between your fingers. Gaze at them and see their beauty and diversity. Let the hope they carry gather in your hands and travel to your heart.
Linda Wiggen Kraft is a landscape designer who creates holistic and organic gardens. She is also a mandala artist and workshop leader. Visit her blog: CreativityForTheSoul.com/blog or on her website: CreativityForTheSoul.com. Call her at (314) 504-4266.