Photo by me
I’m aware that age plays a factor in the priority we give this project (cultivating you mind as a garden—I’m not going to repeat that). My body is wearing down—there’s no denying that. I can and will resist, but it’s happening. Not my mind though—yeah, I forget things and get a little spacey, but my thoughts range far and wide. I have as much control of my mind as ever (never had much—hope to improve that). This is the exciting part: I am more capable to manage this garden then I ever was back then.
There are certain elements, kind of like nutrients, you can apply to your garden to get it in shape. The sun and the rain come from above, but you’re the farmer. This is not a regimen—think of it as different ingredients you add to improve the soil.
Breathe – Yes, a recurring theme of mine. This is our most elemental connection to our minds. If you tell yourself you are breathing in and out, you become very focused. It has a positive effect on all those other parts of you I listed above. Think about breathing—it calms the ripples. It centers you and makes the roots grow deeper. It gives you a perspective to your troubles. It brought you in and it will take you out.
Pray or Meditate or Whatever – (don’t want to make it religious—don’t want to limit my audience). It is turning away from self but still remaining conscious without dictating what happens. However you practice it acknowledges a spiritual plane that goes deeper than our everyday reality. We are not meant to have an unshifting everyday reality.
Exercise – If life is a journey, then we are on a path. The first rule of walking is you have to move. The law of the path is don’t stop. We are responsible to keep moving. I hope that even in my wheelchair I will stretch and flex and keep the parts in motion. Exercise enlivens.
Be healthful – This one tends to be my nemesis. My problem is that I have a weakness for certain unhealthful things—hot dogs, M & M dark chocolate peanuts, and old-fashioneds come to mind (along with others). My body is a temple, if a rather worn one. I attempt to draw the line between being a Pharisee and a libertine, trying to ride that wave called moderation.
Acquire a spiritual discipline – Obvious ones are yoga or tai chi or hang-gliding. Mine is golf. There is no rule that your spiritual discipline cannot be fun. You only have to engage your mind and your spirit along with your body. Your spiritual discipline can be a regular dose of fertilizer in your garden.
Look out – the most important one. If your eyes don’t go beyond your own little plot, you’ve missed the point. The number one garden pest is self-absorption. As your garden shapes up, there’s a tendency to show it off. There’s only one treatment for this pest: you have to know that everyone’s garden (no matter the state of disrepair) is as important as yours. You have to help them with theirs.
We retired ones have the greatest advantage in the challenge of cultivating our minds. If you become aware of the garden, you have the time to devote to it. Your mind doesn’t define you, but man, it claims a large chunk. Those other compadres—like heart and soul and will—have to fight for space. It’s easier to make room if your mind is in order.
“The garden is at your feet” Jesus said that. I cultivate a mostly native garden. Several reasons for this, #1 it creates an ecological zone, drawing butterflies, birds, insects, lizards, things that keep it in balance. Last but not least, hours and hours of beautiful gazing. I nurture the soil with natural nutrients and conditioners and keep a close eye on pests. Those I spray with eco soap, canola oil and water. I keep the snakes and rabbits and mice out with hardware cloth. Eventually, the garden mostly sustains itself. I can then imbibe with a glass of sparkling wine and meditate on its wonders.
Love you, Dal