Thursday, August 20, 2009

Weeding Away Anxiety

I've been doing some art but don't have anything to show yet. I'm actually allowing it to unfold rather than trying to sit down and finish a piece in one sitting. It feels good.

I've had some really stressful news over the past couple of days, all things I can't really do anything about at the moment. I've tried meditating, working out, escaping through tv and other things to let go of the anxiety. Nothing was working. My teenager wanted to play some games on the computer today and I decided to let him have it rather than trying to get my campaigns finished (I can do them tomorrow). I did some housework and then had a strong desire to be outside. I started weeding and ended up doing a lot, in the heat of the day, but miracle of miracles, when I stopped and came back in the anxiety was gone.

That is a secret that I will remember in the future. Just need to get my hands in mother earth. I loved weeding around the canteloupe and discovering that one of my watermelon plants has actually survived after all and may even have a couple of babies on her vines.

I picked basil and made myself some pasta with olive oil, parmesan, basil and a few spices for lunch. I love walking into my yard and picking my lunch and snacks. It feels so good. And, this probably sounds so weird, but it makes me feel so connected to my little garden. It nourishes us. I absolutely adore it.

Next year, I see a much bigger garden with many, many herbs!

If you're stressed, plant something and tend it. I'm just amazed at how the stress melted away today. Much more effective than just going for a walk or exercising.

I love the new things I am learning. It seems appropriate for this time of the new moon.

I suppose, for me, the challenges are necessary to push me out of my norm and discover these little tidbits that make my life, and hopefully the lives of my family, richer.

I am grateful.

13 comments:

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

*sigh* I'm glad yer garden is doing better than mine! The water is so saline here...

BEAUTIFUL white eggplant a few posts back! It doesn't even look real!

I like to experience nature when I feel down or worried, too. I mainly feed the birds and that's always cheering...

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa... I have moved... My blog name is no longer The Blue Ridge Gal... I am now Snappy Finger and the link is Snappyfinger.blogspot.com

Can't wait to see some artwork on your site!

Snappy/Di

Whole Food Pioneer said...

Fresh basil and pasta! Yum. I think I'll try that tomorrow for lunch. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah {The Student Knitter} said...

I'm so envious that you have found your perfect little happy place. :)

Renee said...

Lisa to better times up ahead.

Love Renee xoxo

Tinker said...

Weeding really does reduce your stress level (sometimes when I've been really stressed - I've named the weeds!) I love picking something from the garden to have at the table.
Hope that, whatever's going on - that everything works out well for you - so you won't need to do as much weeding :)
Hugs

gma said...

Yes! Something very calming about digging in the dirt. Eating from the garden is the best!

gma said...

Yes! Something very calming about digging in the dirt. Eating from the garden is the best!

Sarah {The Student Knitter} said...

wow, I love the new look!!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I have ALWAYS said that digging your hands down into the dirt is the best therapy of all. Oh, and add laughter to that. Dig down into the dirt and laugh. You'll be rejuvenated!
Brenda

Flassie's Fil'a said...

Have you ever been tickled with Straw? A blade of grass?

'Tis a good thing to laugh at any rate' and if a straw can tickle a man, it is an instrument of happiness. ~John Dryden.

Touch is healing, Laughter too,
God created both, A healing tool.
~Flassie

I think getting out and touching the weeds,
tickled you pink again!!

God Bless You and Yours!!!

Marie said...

Lisa,

I am glad you are feeling better. I guess being outside worked for you!

Pam Aries said...

That's what my Grendma always did ...she gardened and it was all good!