Earlier this month I noticed that it was National Garden Meditation Day…

Okay, I know what you are thinking- is this one of those silly insignificant holidays, such as National Tater Tot Day?  Absolutely not; this day is definitely one holiday we should pay attention to!

National Garden Meditation Day’s concept is that spending time in a garden has significant stress reduction and health benefits.  However on May 3rd, in Maine, hanging out in a lush green garden was only wishful thinking.  Spring had not yet sprung.

Therefore, on this glorious Memorial Day weekend, I’m earmarking some time away from this blog assignment to work and breathe in our family’s organic vegetable garden.  I figure that belated reverence to the holiday is better than letting it slip by unnoticed.

Even if I don’t have time to start weeding, I’ll take a walk around the yard and observe the growth progress of all the plants.

I will be honest though…I suppose the “lush green garden” idea is still wishful thinking.  As you can see, our garden doesn’t look like much.  The weather hasn’t cooperated, as it is still too cold to put our tomato and pepper seedlings in.  But I won’t let that stop me.  I am still going to make the most of it.

In the technological world we live in, society’s important connection with the physical earth is easily forgotten.  We ignore our circadian rhythms.  Who hasn’t been binge watching Netflix or catching up on  GOT?   We can’t escape work without ogling our laptop screens like zombies  for at least 7 hours a day.  Or mindlessly soaking in blue light as we stare at our cell phones?   Does this look familiar?

One of the best ways to balance our awful habits is to unplug all devices and step outside.

Take some time working or just exploring in a garden, preferably barefoot.  A few years ago, I would never have been caught without boots in the garden, but over time my opinion has changed.  There is something powerful about the sensation of the soil linking you to the energy of the earth.  It reminds us to take a deep breath and enjoy being part of nature.  I challenge you to try it!

Don’t have a garden you say?  No problem!

Here are a few ways that you can enjoy the same effect:

• Create your own garden by planting some flowers or seedlings outside in pots or raised beds.
• Walk barefoot on your lawn, breathe deeply, and reflect on your natural surroundings.
• Check out a community garden near you!

As a busy individual of the UNE community, do you connect with the earth by gardening or interacting with nature?

Post a quick note to let others know how you would celebrate National Garden Meditation Day!