Home of the Practically Perfect Pink Phlox and other native plants for pollinators

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Take Your Troubles To Your Garden

It has a great big heart and arms that envelope a troubled spirit.
That's what I did this morning after spending time trying to duplicate a post I lost. I was sorely frustrated. But, sitting there on the Waiting Bench, I noticed my heart stopped racing, my breathing slowed down and my thoughts were filled with celebration instead of complaining.
Who couldn't be charmed by golden leaves against deep brown branches
I can find that post in me again~But, will the tree across the street be as golden as it is today?
Will I notice The Dancing Tree is still dancing? Will the skippers be playing tag or will the bees feel safe and land on the aster that's next to my arm? I wonder if the chickadees, robins and cardinals could be as happy as they seem now?
Probably, but, I would have missed out on being completely and totally in that moment. In my moment; the moment that is my life.

xxogail

"If we are not fully ourselves, truly in the present moment, we miss everything." Thich Nhat Hanh

31 comments:

  1. Gail, this is a very beautiful post, one we should all take to heart more often. Every garden should have a Waiting Bench, a place to sit and reflect on life and the garden, a place just to wait.

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  2. Dear Gail, I love your garden and your waiting bench, and you. May the garden always give you what you need. The Giving Garden at Clay and Limestone.
    xxxooo
    Frances

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  3. Reading your post made me breathe more slowly. You've persuaded me that my garden needs a Waiting Bench, too.

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  4. The fall colors around you are really starting to brighten up! Hopefully the rain will help - I'm glad we're finally getting some. It means I can dig again!

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  5. Sitting in the garden, especially sheltered by a tree, is so calming. My office mates and I have been hoping to talk our employer into allowing us to install a bench just outside the side door, under a riverbirch, surrounded by hollies. Even though there are commerical buildings and parking lots around us it would be a little calming oasis. No luch yet, but we haven't given up!

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  6. Ginny, You would think a bench would be a non issue! I hope it happens~have you told him about the studies linking nature with stress reduction? gail

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  7. This is why I love this time of year so much. After all our hard work we can sit back and watch the garden go to sleep. No one does it as colorfully and quietly as the garden. You have to be quiet and still to hear the life in the garden. It is easy to absorb when you slow enough to feel it.

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  8. Too often we fail to enjoy the gardens we've created so ultimately it may have been a good thing you lost the post. A writer I sat next to in my newspaper days, once told me after he lost a long piece he had just written, that he would just do it again. And that it would take less time this second time around and be a better piece of work as a result. He was right. So actually you had a win win day!

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  9. Beautiful and heartwarming! Lovely photos, too.

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  10. What a wonderfully worded description of what a garden can do...it is something we all need to remember and I thank you for it.

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  11. Maybe it was meant to be that you lost your post. This one was wonderful.

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  12. What a lovely reminder to take some time to find that healing place which I experience from just sitting in my wildlife garden! Thank you.

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  13. Hi Gail, I've only recently discovered your blog but do love it. It's a great practice to be in the moment but one that is difficult to achive - congratulations! I love the idea of your waiting bench; symbolically and physically - the color is beautiful.

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  14. Very true sometimes we get overwhelmed by things and it is good to take time out to stop and stare

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  15. Such a beautiful post, Gail, and well worth remembering! I love your "dancing tree" that certainly looks as though it is dancing for joy.

    I usually read blogs in the morning until enough caffeine has kicked in to get me moving, but some days I have to remind myself to back away from the computer and that being IN the garden is much more peaceful and better for the soul than writing or reading about it.

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  16. Sorry that's me (delete comments)I kept hitting publish because it wasn't doing so.
    But then I saw them all.
    Did'nt know it could do that.

    Anyway...
    You are one inspiring writer.
    You lift me up.

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  17. Hi Gail, Do you like Dove candy? I usually don't buy much candy, but I succumbed recently! ;-)

    They have little sayings inside: The first one I ate said, "Take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of Autumn colors." The second said, "Sit in your yard and watch the leaves fall." And the third? Press your favorite leaves inside a book."

    Now that I've read your post, I believe I'd better find time tomorrow to sit outdoors in the backyard! :-) hugs!

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  18. To everything there is a reason, and a season. Maybe this is the reason your post disappeared.

    We certainly are happy to read this.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  19. Oh, I so agree, Gail. Somehow, just being outside, just hearing the birds and resting my eyes on something green brings my blood pressure back down...

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  20. How could the spirit not be healed in such a beautiful place? Especially with those golden leaves!

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  21. Terrific reminder, Gail. I love your waiting bench, dancing tree, and beautiful fall photos. Autumn joy!

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  22. Oh, Gail I am there with you. It is so good to just walk outside to take a breather and not miss all the fleeting beauty. I hope you were able to save your post. It has happened to me too. Lovely lovely photos of your garden!! I am crazy about the skipper one with your blue bottles in the background. My, you already have great fall colors down . . . I am sure with the storm coming our colors will fall. I am going out to enjoy them now. Your words ring clear and true. ;>)

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  23. I love fall, nature may be going to bed, but it is invigorating to me. I, too, find it calming to take in the splendor of fall.

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  24. Wonderful post and beautiful images.
    Gail, I wish so we could have met in person when I lived a short time not far from you. Love my woods and the gardens I am creating. It is so good to be home. So much has been planted and next Spring should be what I visualize. All the cuttings I brought from the city garden - made it. I still come to the big city monthly and maybe we will still meet :)

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  25. Understand completely...my waiting bench is on our porch. Not quite as peaceful I suppose, as it is near a busy street. John 14:27 comes to mind. Greggo.

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  26. I'm another gardener who agrees totally with your sentiments in this post. I find gardening a restorative, relaxing and reviving experience ... food for my soul. I appreciate almost every minute I'm out in the garden ... well not when I find something flattened by a wallaby or completely destroyed by a gigantic grasshopper ... but you know what I mean! Great post.

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  27. It must have been meant to be, because this post was wonderful. Love the golden tree.

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  28. You are so right, and you've created a perfect space for healing thoughts.
    Your purple bench is perfectly parked for pensive ponderings :)

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"Insects are the little things that run the world." Dr. E O Wilson