Spring officially arrived today.
In honor of the spring equinox, the sky is blue and cloudless, the birds are singing, the ground is full of life-giving water, and the remants of the melting snow are saying their last farewells.
The first spring plants are poking their noses through the dirt and snow, and my perennials are spreading their leaves.
I am itching to get out into the yard and see what survived the long cold winter. But more than that, I want to get my weeder out and start weeding!
Weeding you say. You want to weed?
Yes indeed! I actually LOVE weeding.
For many years I too considered it a painful, never ending task. But a necessary one if I wanted to keep my gardens neat, and highlight the gorgeous flowers I was growing. But recently I have come to enjoy this very Zen-like activity.
There is actually SO much to love about weeding.
I do most of my weeding when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. As I sit on the ground I am connecting with Mother Earth and can feel her healing energy flow through my body. Earthing – yes, there is a name for it – can have a profound impact on our health and well-being.
The physical act of weeding is rewarding in itself. Pushing my weeder under the roots of the unwanted plant, that has tried to stake its claim in my garden, and pulling it out, gives me a small boost of dopamine. Yes, you might think I am weird, but bear with me.
I have been meditating on and off for over seven years now, after first being introduced to the wisdom of the late Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn, a true spiritual leader, who recently departed this world.
Thich Nhat Hahn, or Thay (teacher), as he is lovingly referred to, has taught me how to live in, and appreciate the present moment.
Sitting on the ground weeding, is the perfect to do this. The sights, the sounds, and the feel of the dirt on my hands, all combine to bring me a deep feeling of joy. And as an added bonus, my two rescue pups, my loves, run around the yard playing and wrestling.
With the weeds removed, the beauty of my treasured flowers really shines.
So next time you look at an unwelcome plant that has migrated to your garden, I suggest you do the following.
- Breathe in… breathe out
- Grab your weeder and a comfy gardening cushion or stool
- Park youself in front of the weeds
- Drink in the sounds, smells, and beauty that surrounds you and….
- Breathe in …. breath out & dig out the weed…. breathe in… breathe out & dig out the weed…. repeat
Whether you have ever meditated or not, I highly recommend the Zen of weeding.
Namaste