More (infinite) life lessons from nature (and bugs)
Do we really need more lessons from nature? Yes. All the lessons we can get. Forever.
Also—May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and nature plays a vital role in supporting mind-body wellbeing.
And as someone who has navigated my fair share of anxious tendencies, I can say with conviction that being in or around nature helps tremendously.
Gardening, for example, is a lovely way to anchor the attention to the present moment instead of spiraling into past or future rabbit holes.
Although my hands-on gardening experience is still more balcony-based, I remain a willing and curious student.
Because the more I learn about nature, the more it amazes me.
For instance:
- Have you ever seen tiny slugs begin to slowly slide their way out of the grass at night, only to demolish a plant by morning? How do they suddenly appear out of the ethers? And how can their microscopic teeth destroy so much? Absurd.
- Isn’t it incredible that a fruit tree can grow branches and leaves, then bloom—and that the flower turns into fruit, whose seeds can grow new trees? Then they withstand winter and this happens all over again, year after year? Brilliant.
- How interesting that some of the most gorgeous plants have the sharpest thorns—or that nettle leaves can sting like crazy, but once dried or cooked, they’re considered healing herbs. Whimsical.
- How do weeds like dandelion spread like wildfire and threaten a gardener’s hard work, yet some of them are also considered medicinal? Fascinating.
- Isn’t it wild that poop from a horse or cow—including rotted plants and veg in the form of compost—feeds and nourishes seedlings and plants? Circle of life.
My point: Nature is infinitely intelligent—it is a profound lifelong teacher and friend.
We can learn so much about mindfulness, patience, and perseverance just by observing and engaging with our natural surroundings—whether it’s watering house plants, tending to windowsill herbs, or cultivating and caring for an entire garden.
There were four points in particular that came to me while I was digging my fingers into the German soil, hoping to create new life—namely flowers and veggies—and wondering how the mystery would unfold after I left, just like the surprise blooms back on our French balcony 🙂
What the Garden Teaches Me
- Get your hands dirty. My Italian grandpa encouraged my mom to let my brothers and I play in the dirt, grass, and sand as kids. In other words: Allow space for messiness. It’s not only part of the fun, but contact with healthy soil can also contribute to the health of our microbiome and mind, too.
- Respect the bugs. Make space for the worms and creepy crawlers, however squirmy they make you (me) feel. They were here first. I still get squeamish, but I’ve found peace in remembering that they’re just doing their thing—I’m the one interrupting their flow. Thanks, buggos (pests, though, are another story…).
- Try, make mistakes, learn, repeat. Don’t be afraid to mess up. Nature and life are both unpredictable, no matter how much you plan. Some plants won’t make it—due to pests, climate, or unknown sources. Do your best to observe, learn, and carry on / try something new next time (like the bumblebee reminded me).
- Wellness is nature and nature is wellness. We can learn so many simple, effective tools by paying attention to what nature is showing and providing us—and responding accordingly. Being outside, getting fresh air, eating with the seasons as much as possible, and putting your feet on the Earth or in a body of water are all major mind-body boosters. Read the science, but try it to see / feel for yourself.
P.S. Yoga helps a lot with the strength and mobility needed to squat low to the ground, yank out weeds, kneel down and stand up, lift and rake and shovel—not to mention the restoration needed for post-gardening recovery. Try my free YouTube classes 🙂
Many thanks to my partner and his parents for teaching me about gardening, too.
What has nature taught you lately?
Take good care,
S
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