In the gentle realm of gardening, there lies a profound lesson on one of mindfulness’s core attitudes: letting go. This blog post delves deep into how our gardens can teach us the practice of letting go and how this simple act can have profound effects in other facets of our lives. After all, embracing the present moment often means releasing the past or our preconceived notions.
Understanding the Nature of Gardens
Nature, in all its untamed beauty, refuses to be completely controlled. This is true for our gardens as well, regardless of our best efforts to shape them. While certain aspects remain within our grasp, others elude our control. The dynamics change with people, gardens, seasons, and years. And just as mindfulness isn’t about mastering something to use constantly in every life scenario, it’s about knowing when and where to apply it.
The Essence of Letting Go
Is letting go synonymous with admitting defeat? Far from it. Letting go stands in stark contrast to the act of desperately holding on. It’s a journey from confinement to liberation. Intense desires often lead us to a point where our fixation becomes suffocating. Sometimes, the tighter we grip, the more detrimental it becomes, especially if our efforts seem fruitless. The challenge then is not about how much we’ve invested but about finding the courage to release. In setting ourselves free from these chains, not only do we find peace, but often, the universe surprises us in ways we hadn’t imagined, opening doors we hadn’t noticed while we were too focused on a closed one.
Practicing Letting Go in the Garden
My garden has taught me countless lessons. Have you ever nurtured your plants to the point they withered? Or been so engrossed in one aspect that others were left neglected? Or pursued garden perfection only to be left feeling drained? The garden offers endless opportunities to practice letting go. From allowing nature to take its wild course, to moving away from perfectionism, to discarding plants that no longer serve their purpose. For instance, discarding frail tomato plants might be difficult, especially when you’ve invested so much love. Yet sometimes, holding on brings more pain than release. Whether it’s the towering weeds or the unkempt lawn, sometimes the best action is inaction. After all, a few imperfections don’t define your garden’s beauty or worth.
From the Garden to Life
Our gardens become our safe haven, free from judgment, allowing us to practice letting go. With every lesson learned among the flowers and leaves, we find the confidence to apply the same in life’s broader canvas. Letting go isn’t about giving up; it’s about making space. Just like taking a breath, releasing it, and making room for the next.
It’s time to stroll into your garden, shedding any notions of perfection or predetermined standards. Embrace it for what it is, and you’ll find yourself looking at it – and perhaps life – with rejuvenated eyes.
Post image: Ksenia Chernaya
Grounded gardens 