Why Gardening Matters

Research has shown time and time again how important it is for us to make sure we get outside time daily. It’s good for both our bodies and our minds. The question is, however, what should we even be doing while we’re outside ?! One suggestion is G A R D E N I N G ! I got into gardening when I was about 19 years old. I used to garden for my somewhat grandparents for extra cash but found that it really gave me such a peace of mind that I almost didn’t even want the money. Here’s a few things that gardening has taught me that coincide with an experience in Psychology Today as well.

Gardening teaches patience and acceptance. A lot, if not all, of our suffering comes from unfulfilled expectations. Things that we have the desire to control. With gardening patience and acceptance are pretty much forced upon you. We have no control over the weather for sure. Then we have very little control over insects, animals, peoples pets or maybe kids running through our yard. We have no choice but to accept these things and it gets easier over time.

Gardening also teaches the beauty in imperfection. Many of us are plagued by perfectionism. If something won’t be perfect, it almost is completely worthless. That can be a dangerous attitude to have. Perfection is literally impossible and as long as that’s your main focus you will always be frustrated. Gardening happens however it happens. There’s no way to make it perfect because there’s so much that’s simply out of your control. 

Gardening helps you feel more connected to the world around you. When we go to the grocer and pick out what we want to eat for dinner most of us don’t spend to much time wondering or trying to figure out exactly where the food came from. With growing and harvesting your own produce you see how the nutrition you’re prepared to consume has came to be. It gives you the opportunity to actually build a relationship with the land and whomever you believe to be the creator of the land. It also helps you develop and cultivate gratitude for what the land has given you.

What has gardening taught you ? Feel free to leave your answers in the comments below !