Meditation-Mind Blog

Sometimes I find that doing simple rhythmic tasks puts me into a relaxed meditative state. Now that it’s autumn, for some people, that could take the form of raking leaves or stacking firewood or gathering the walnuts that the squirrels haven’t already stored away.

At this time of year, I like to round up an assortment of flowerpots and some potting soil and search the garden for some plants that still look happy and might like to come inside for the winter.

So, over and over, I say hello to each plant and tell it I’m taking it inside as I dig it up, tuck it in a pot and press potting soil around it. Parsley, sage, rosemary, (no thyme), a marigold, some impatiens, baby lamb’s ears, some lemon balm. As I work, I take in their pungent fragrances and still-bright colors.

Experiencing the rhythm of the task, marking the earth’s change of season and feeling the joy of communing with each of these living things becomes a calming meditation. Just a short time playing in the dirt is a peace-inducing experience that takes me far away from any stresses I may have been feeling.

By the time I have all the plants settled into their new home in the kitchen window that gets the most sun, I’m feeling very relaxed, very peaceful and very good.

All winter long, each time I look at them, and each time I water them, I’ll let them remind me of the power of our minds. In the words of Albert Camus: “In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer.”

For more thoughts on meditative experiences in our everyday lives, you might like to have a look at this article on meditation at Mystic Eye.
  
 
 
 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 at 12:37 am and is filed under Stress Relief, Meditation Techniques, Power of Your Mind, Inspirational Quotes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.