A Shakti Nature-Inspired Practice: What shall I grow this year?
The crocuses and daffodils are blooming where I live heralding the coming of spring. Last Sunday the Sun moved into Pisces, marking 30 days until the Equinox, a new beginning. I am so grateful the light lasts longer in the sky and the days are warmer. Spending time outdoors is easier, so of course, my thoughts turn to the garden. What shall I grow this year?
This question is both literal and metaphorical. Deciding which vegetables and herbs to plant is exciting and full of promise. I love to imagine the delicious food and supportive herbal tonics that come from growing plants. Paying attention to the weather and the soil – a necessary task for the gardener – helps me attune to my environment, both external and internal. Noticing the impact that the weather (sunlight, rain, wind, temperature) has on the land gives me information not only for cultivating plants but also for supporting people, including myself.
There are so many compassionate and healing practices inspired by the garden. My goal is to incorporate these healing activities and meditations while we build and work in the Shakti garden. I also will offer practices in the Shakti newsletter for you to try on your own. It is my hope that these nature-inspired strategies encourage you to show up with more kindness toward yourself, others, and with the non-human world. Below is the first one of the year. As always, please use what works and modify or ignore what does not.
Looking forward to the first Shakti Garden event (Saturday, February 24). I hope you can join us!
Love, Kim
Shakti Nature-Inspired Practice #1: Amending the Soil
You can have wonderful, healthy seeds but if the soil you plant the seeds in is hard and compacted or devoid of nutrients, then your seed will not grow into a healthy plant. Our dreams and goals are like seeds. If we want to see them grow into vibrant, flourishing outcomes, then it is essential to create a supportive environment in which our dreams and goals can thrive.?
The first step is to assess the current condition of your soil.?For the literal garden, you can get a soil test kit to discover the pH level of your soil. One place to get a soil test kit is from your local agricultural extension office. (Go here?to find your local office.)?
For your metaphorical garden, I invite you to sit quietly with the following questions and to journal your answers.?
Once you have a better idea of the composition of your soil (your energy),?the next step is to ascertain where you will resource the necessary ingredients?to replenish your soil. Keep in mind not all soils have the same composition nor are tended to with the same care. ?
For the metaphorical garden, consider the following:
Amending the soil starts now: before the weather is conducive to planting outdoors. If you desire to start a new project or to reach a new goal this spring, then start building healthy soil now for the best results.
Kim Bushore-Maki is a soul-driven entrepreneur who understands the undeniable urge to create a business and a life filled with meaning and purpose. Her vision of opening a center where people could heal and grow led her to open Shakti in the Mountains in Johnson City, Tennessee: a place where the creative, feminine energy is nurtured and valued.
Kim is a licensed professional counselor and a yoga teacher. She completed the Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy program as well as the Shake Your Soul Yoga Dance program. Kim is very interested in somatic expressive therapy, archetypal psychology, gardening, herbalism, astrology, wisdom traditions, and regenerative economics.
Kim continues to build and to support inclusive, vibrant communities. She spends most of her time mentoring leaders, guiding healing programs, and providing mental health counseling.
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