Gardening is a tremendously life-affirming activity
because it means dealing with living things i.e. plants It probably signifies that I have been
thinking about life and growth (of the personal kind). Surely this must be a flowering of the tree
of Mindfulness: a delicious rising of the sap of imagination? An increase in activity here is definitely
one of its
features that I have experienced lately.
I have recently put considerable effort into making my
little flat here just the way I want it.
I have tried to make a comfortable, appealing and homelike place where
my children can come and be with me and where I feel that I can be myself. Now
my creative energies need something else to focus on. And so they have turned
towards the garden.
It has been the best fun to imagine what my little patch
of garden could look like: how it could change from season to season, where
plants should go depending on their mature height, colour and leaf form,
checking that I have chosen contrasting and insect friendly varieties, and
checking that the plant-types are reasonably drought tolerant in order to keep
watering to a minimum. Whatever comes
to fruition, I'll try to upload some photos in the summertime.
I feel that this focus on gardening is both seasonal and
representative of my Mindfulness journey. I have tried to continue my
meditation practice twice a day where possible (I started the week before
Christmas). I have experienced several highs and lows since then though I have
found that Mindfulness has sustained me throughout. So
far it has provided a rock to cling to in a storm, but
somewhere to bask in the sunshine as well. With regard to the MS I know that I
have large patches of dead brain. I have seen pictures of these on my last MRI
scan. But the brain is a mysterious and magnificent piece of kit. It is capable
of compensating for its own shortcomings.
I am hoping that Mindfulness is doing just that for me. Of course it is not a cure for MS but I hope
that Mindfulness is capable of helping my brain to work smarter despite the far
reduced brain area available. I spoke about this to my very interested
neurologist recently.
And the best part is I get to take it with me wherever I
go because it's inside me at all times. It's just an eyelash blink away. And it's completely free!
If you fancy giving Mindfulness a go workshops are
available at the Centre. Just ask at reception.
April 2014
