Last Sunday I was able to spend most of the day in my garden, one of my hobbies that brings me my greatest joy. To prepare my beds for healthy and abundant growth this spring and summer I spent the day pulling out weeds and cutting back dead plant matter -- removing everything that might hinder the new growth. Then I amended my soil by adding compost for nutrients and peat moss for water retention -- two things that will help my plants be healthy and lush throughout the growing season. And all this made me think that this is exactly what we should be doing for ourselves right now.
How you come through this quarantine period depends on how you are preparing yourself now for your growth. Maybe that means weeding your closet of the clothes and shoes you no longer wear and boxing them up to donate later. Or maybe it's pruning back unproductive and unhealthy habits. Think about what you need to clear out of your life to allow for more room, and time, for your growth.
Then think about how you can replenish yourself and prepare for inevitable growth. Eat well, exercise, engage your mind, help others, acquire new skills, learn how to meditate, get plenty of sleep, and challenge yourself to reach those goals you've set for yourself but haven't made time to achieve. In short, nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Right now my plants are just starting to poke up from the ground, but I know that below the surface they are putting energy into spreading their roots to support the growth that is about to happen. Think about doing the same -- prepare yourself so that you can flourish when the season comes.
To that end, here is an extensive list of some of the best summer opportunities I've been curating over the past two weeks. I know that some of you are disappointed that your plans have had to change, but there are many wonderful things you can to do nurture yourself. There is something for everyone here from the artist to the scholar to the activist to the scientist. Find something to do that will help you to grow.
We are living through difficult times, but also times that provide us with new opportunities. Think about who you want to be when we come through this pandemic and take care of your gardens now.
Be well and do good.