Mindfulness is a practice that entails a desire to be present, and to take responsibility for how our human experience unfolds. Prioritizing wellness is a mindfulness practice that perpetuates off our general well-being in a holistic way. Wellness is the face of healthy living, as it recognizes the importance of feeling good from the inside out.
Gardening offers us more than just a healthier eating routine; it offers benefits that will be with you forever, including less anxiety, stress reduction, more opportunities to bond with your family, and more. Keep reading to learn how you can garden as a mindfulness practice.
What is Mindfulness?
Technically speaking, people practice mindfulness to adopt a gentle habit of alertness and focused relaxation. This is done by intentionally paying attention to thoughts, sensations, and environments without judgment; simply observing. Experiencing day-to-day living in this way allows for our minds to refocus on what is happening in the present around us.
According to the University of Minnesota’s article, What is Mindfulness? perpetuating the following three habits will help you to gain a greater sense of mindfulness throughout your day.
- Intention to cultivate awareness (continue returning to this habit)
- Attention to what is occurring in the present moment (through observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise)
- Attitude that is non-judgmental, empathetic, curious, kind, and compassionate
Individual Experiences
It is important to keep in mind that mindfulness practices are different for each individual. The way that we seek value and pay attention to the world around us is so very tailored to us and our own lived experiences. Further, even if you do participate in a similar mindfulness practice as someone else, you shouldn’t expect to experience the same results; simply strive to listen to yourself, as a starting point.
Gardening and Mindfulness
We love to share the many benefits of gardening with others; from healthier lifestyles, to finding intentionality, to enjoying more time with your loved ones, gardening knows how to bring wellness to the forefront of anyone’s life.
Gardening is a wonderful way to hone in on your mindfulness skills as it allows you to disconnect and look within. When you’re gardening, your mind can rest calmly, your body to take a deep breath and your heart to release anything that it is holding onto.
According to gardening expert, Quentin Vinnie, gardening eases anxiety, and allows for us to connect to something greater than ourselves. When the mind is not working a million miles a second out of a stress response, we have more space to touch base with where we are really at in life.
The next time you are working in your garden, take some extra time to calmly observe your thoughts and surroundings in a non-judgmental way. Recognizing the ways in which you experience the world around you will share the beautiful intricacies of you with you.
Start your Growth
It is never too late to adopt better, healthier habits in your lifetime. Imagine a year of mindful living being more fulfilling than five years that just breeze right by. Take some time in your garden today to decide how you want to remember your future. To start today see what you can grow! Our container garden kits are an easy way to get a stress-free start to grow.
