JoyFull Living – Planting a Gratitude Garden

 With the late snow we have been a little challenged to feel spring in the air this year, but still spring is here, and with it, the promise of summer.  There is a natural burst of energy that we all get at this time of year from the extra sunlight.  For many people the garden calls, and with that call, all sense of balance goes out the window.  Often feeling that there is no time for yoga and other self-care routines, we overdo it and the surge of joy turns into aches and pains, usually in the lower back and shoulders. If we add mindfulness and yoga to our gardening experience we can maintain a better sense of balance. Gardening can be such a healing and meditative experience and can also become part of our self-care routine.  So often I hear from clients and students that they feel torn between their need for yoga and a pull to be in their garden.  Three years ago, I wrote an article about bringing the gifts of yoga into our gardening experience by planting a gratitude garden.  I still hear from readers who found it to be such a wonderful and healing experience for them.  This year I am sharing the experience with my daughter, who is now 7, and participating in a whole new way. It inspired me to share this with you again.

Here is a great way to integrate yoga and gardening by creating what I call a “gratitude garden.” It can be nurturing and healing, from the inside out.  Any size garden will do; it can even be one pot, a flower box, etc…

Start by taking a deep breath into your belly; invite the sunlight into your lungs and hold the breath, filling your whole body with sunlight. Repeat that for at least 3 breaths.

As you set out your plan for what you will plant, make a list of a few of your favorite yoga poses & stretching exercises too, like forward bend to stretch the lower back (we will be learning other specific “garden friendly” exercises in classes this month) Keep your list with your gardening tools. And don’t forget to bring water for yourself as well as for the garden!

Set a kitchen timer to go off every 10 to 15 minutes, and each time it does, stop, stand up, interlace your hands behind you and stretching your arms away from the body, lift the chin up, arching your back gently.  Again breathe in the spring air; invite it to renew every cell in your body. Take at least 3 breaths, and then shake out your hands.

Next, take a deep breath, reaching your arms up to the sky, grateful for the gifts of the sun (or rain).  As you exhale, bring your hands down toward the earth, grateful for the gifts it brings.  Repeat at least 3 times, then practice one of your poses and/or stretches (from your list) before returning to your gardening task.

  • As you are planting, take a moment to acknowledge each seed and/or seedling.  Give them each a special breath: inhale through your nose deeply and exhale through your mouth as if you were whistling towards it. As you exhale, mentally say, “thank you.” Repeat for each one…

You have now planted a gratitude garden.

Maintaining a grateful heart is a powerful way to maintain a healthy heart. It contributes to our sense of wellbeing and connects us more deeply to the ‘NOW.”  As you tend to your plants, take time to clear your mind of any negative thoughts.  Become the observer and realign your thoughts with the task at hand.

At least once a day, sit or stand near your gratitude garden and breathe into your heart. As you hold each breath for as long as you can, let it fill your whole body, expanding the belly. As you exhale, imagine the exhale coming straight up through the top of your head, sending a thank you note to the Universe. Do this for at least 3 breaths. Don’t forget to take as good care of yourself as you do your garden. Remember to take time to breathe-and smile.

www.joyfull-yoga.com; 899-0707. © 2001-2012 Louise is an international inspirational speaker, author, creator of JoyFull Yoga and JoyFull living coaching. She owns JoyFull Yoga LLC in Jacksonville where she offers private sessions and group classes. Email us your questions at info@joyfull-yoga.com