Unearthing the Soul: Meditation through Planting

We usually associate meditation with deliberate breathing, yoga poses, or calming chants. However, there's an often overlooked form of meditation which is deeply rooted in nature – gardening. Digging into the soil and planting a seed can be a profound meditative exercise that connects us with the earth and uncovers the soul’s purpose. I call this meditation through planting, and I would love to show you how to dig deep into this practice.

In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to overlook the therapeutic value of engaging with nature. But think back to some of your most peaceful and meaningful moments. Were they perhaps set in the calm surroundings of a lush garden or a serene green landscape? Indeed, a garden can be a sanctuary where stillness reigns and the beauty of nature can truly become a backdrop for self-reflection and meditation.

Meditation through planting can be an intentional act where you purposefully quieten your mind in light of the rhythmic practice of gardening. It has wonderful spiritual connotations, too. When you're planting, you're literally burying something underneath the earth, completely out of sight, and waiting patiently for it to grow and flourish. This is a beautiful metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery.

Here's how you can start your own meditation through planting.

**1. Begin with Intention**

Like any form of meditation, you start with a clear intention. It might be to experience peace, to focus your mind, or perhaps enjoy a quiet moment of creativity. Choose a plant that resonates with you or one that symbolizes what you'd like to cultivate in your life.

**2. Create Your Space**

Next, find an area to plant. This can be a small pot on your apartment balcony, a patch in your backyard, or somewhere in your community garden. This space should be clean and peaceful; somewhere where you can retreat to throughout your gardening journey, as the plants bloom and your soul expands.

**3. Immerse in the Process**

From preparing the soil to sowing seeds or planting seedlings, each step demands your full attention. As you dig, pay attention to the texture and smell of the soil, let it remind you of the earth's richness and our connection to it.

As you continue to water and nurture your plant, observe the modifications with a sense of wonder and gratitude. Through this practice, you'll find that gardening is a dance of giving and receiving, a balance that mirrors life itself.

**4. Reflection and Acknowledgement**

Upon fully immersing yourself in the process, take moments to reflect on the growth – both of the plants and within yourself. Acknowledge your patience, persistence, and care.

Meditation through planting offers not only a practical way to create a beautiful environment but a pathway towards relaxation, mindfulness, and healing. It enables us to grapple with one of life's most basic truths directly: the cycle of life and death.

Many of us are so detached from the earth, we forget that we're a part of nature too. But by focusing on planting and nurturing life, you can start unearthing your soul, finding tranquility, and a deeper sense of purpose.