"Is it any wonder that our minds become so scattered? Without intending to and often without being conscious of doing so, we are engaged in non-stop chatter that circles inside our heads. We make judgements, stage arguments, create rationalizations and rehearse conversations in our minds hour after hour. When so much is going on within us, we are distracted from what's going on around us, and consequently we are in danger of being more absent than present."
"We see a tree or the sky or a particular person so many times, day after day, that we forget. We forget how amazing a tree really is, how truly spectacular the sky can be, and the unique miracle of this other being. We lose sight of the extraordinary as it lies hidden in what we call the ordinary."
I've been reading this slim book almost like a devotional. I had a realization as I read the above passages this morning. Those who garden, who spend time intimately involved with creation, don't just see a tree, the sky, or the creatures in the garden. They nurture them, they touch them. Trees, the sky, flowers - they're more than just decorations in a gardener's world. Often the heightened awareness of creation in the garden carries over to awareness of the people in our lives. Gardening helps us quiet all of those conversations in our heads and it helps us listen - to the sounds of nature and to the needs of others. Maybe this isn't universally true, but it is true of the gardeners I know.
After reading these passages I went out in the cool early morning light and took some pictures. It rained before dawn this morning and raindrops lingered on the blooms and the leaves. The sun was shining behind the trees. I tried to "be still" and be present.
Wishing you stillness on this beautiful fall weekend.
17 comments:
oh yes Ginny to learn the art of silence, of being still, so simple but yet it takes a lifetime of practice, and is the meaning of life and the gateway to the soul...hope you have a good weekend too...
Beautiful post and photos! thanks for the reflexion
Absolutely agree, Ginny. I have not seen this book before but I have read many with the same messages. I find that it's not just gardening but photography also helps us in being focus, being still, being at present moment. :)
Ginny, a very thought provoking post. And yes, gardeners do indeed feel plants, and not just see them.
A very special gift to be given and deserves praise indeed. Morning has broken, well, perfect!
Ginny that was such a beautiful post and so true! Several years ago I heard a sermon about being present in the moment and I try everyday to weave that pearl of wisdom into my being. Not only are others blessed around me through my attention but I'm blessed as I really enjoy the beauty of the moment. Thank you for the beautiful reminder and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Very good words to think about. I too loved the passage. In architecture we are taught to 'see'. It has a lot of the appreciation for form, creation, and function built into the learning process. It is seeing in a different manner, a more in depth sight. I really liked this post, because like you said, we see our plants as decoration, so for what they really are.
Wishing you the same stillness and peace. Thank you for sharing your dawn pictures.
What a lovely post and group of pictures.
Thank you ~ FlowerLady
I enjoyed your post, Ginny. It is a busy world...and constant chatter.
It is so true that gardening makes us so much more aware of the world around us even when we are not in th garden. Thanks for the post!
Ginny, this is a very special post and a very good reminder to slow down, savor the moment and be still.
I think that you are well on your way. It's good to be reminded that this is the way to live our lives.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
This is a good reminder for me. I tend to be a spaz and can't hold still most of the time. It has taken me quite some time to figure out yoga because I am such a hyper person.
It is good for everyone to take time and remember who created all.
There is such beauty and peace in just being in the garden and knowing that we are simply part of a greater whole. We are not more than or less than but simply an equal part of something amazing.
Ginny, your blog is beautiful. I love your early morning pictures, and I agree totally about how gardeners view God's creation. Yes, our Ansonville is near Polkton. I am excited to hear that your husband grew up in this area. Tell him that a fellow Ansonian said "hello"! Carla
wishing you stillness, as well, ginny .. and i definitely feel your presence in your photographs ..
Beautiful post & photographs, Ginny! Thank you for brightening my morning with this gentle reminder. :)
Happy weekend to you & yours,
Zuzu
Wow, Ginny, what a beautiful post! I really enjoyed your insights, those amazing photos, and the quote which rings so true to the ear of my heart. Thank you for sharing your wisdom in this lovely way. :)
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