A Garden Taught me.....

Approximately two years back I ventured into gardening for a few months. Little did I know that this small step would mean a life changing experience for me. Although the intention was to learn how to grow seasonal vegetables, this small organic farm became a wonderful teacher and helped me grow as a human.

My first enlightening moment struck when I saw the seeds. If you haven't seen vegetable seeds till now, you really need to check them out - you can buy some on Amazon. They are so tiny and look lifeless. It is hard to believe that they can transform into something so beautiful, colorful and lively. It is a real miracle. Seeds have hidden potential and when nurtured, they germinate and transform into beautiful plants, flowers, veggies - being a part of this exercise and seeing this actually happening in front of eyes is a very different and joyful experience. Of course, nurturing requires patience, care and love for the cause.

Indeed, the miracles are so common that we simply disregard them. This deepened my understanding of the fact that similar hidden potential exists in each and every one of us. We need to find and nurture our potential and grow into the most beautiful and fulfilling versions of ourselves - not for others but for us. The way to grow is to spend quality time with ourselves and loved ones, follow that long lost hobby, travel, show kindness and love to others, do what we love to do simply because of the satisfaction and joy it brings (not for financial or other gains)! Hence, through this learning I committed myself to growing into a better human each and every day and to flower the potential I have within.

In this journey of growing vegetables, the next transformation happened during harvesting. The first time I harvested Spinach, I knew that I was actually taking away a life. Harvesting vs. just buying is a significantly different experience. Vegetables are very easily available commodities in the market. For us to live, something dies and that should be enough to be grateful and thankful to whatever is giving one's own life away. I am more grateful for the food I eat than ever before because there are lives that die for me to live - this understanding has sunk so deep in me now! I now dedicate time to eating food in silence at least once a day - no TV, no movies, no music, no meetings - it has surely heightened my sense of taste and is much more satisfying. This gratefulness has spread to other parts of my life as well.

There are so many things we usually take for granted simply because they are available in abundance. When was the last time you were grateful for the clothes you are wearing or that bread you ate or that you could see, smell, touch and feel!!? Indeed, gratitude is a real life changer and brings immense satisfaction in life. Irrespective of how much money one has or how much fame one gets in life - inside remains dissatisfied without gratitude!

I definitely suggest you to try your hands at nurturing a garden (even if small) and feel the beauty that sprouts - inside and outside you. And of course, don't forget to share your learning with us! :-)