Gardening heals

Iris Palma in Tips and Advices

Sep 26, 2019 • 2 min Read

This world is crazy. Emotions are driving us nuts. One small action or one word can trigger us into rage mode. What can we do? Try ecotherapy and engage in what the modern world calls as social and therapeutic horticulture. It is a mouthful but it is basically gardening.

Ecotherapy is a wide range of outdoor programs and activities that strengthens one’s wellbeing. It has a positive effect on our mental health. It lightens our mood and promotes a commune with nature. It encourages gardening as well as a constant walk in the park.

Gardening helps in your healing. A psychology site states that certain “aspects of gardening allow us to vent (our) anger and aggression” and gives gardeners, newbies and hobbyists alike, a sense of control and responsibility. Each step in gardening is a step toward calmness and achievement. How?

• Clearing those ugly patches of land in your yard is an exercise similar to cleaning your house. Moving rocks and sweeping the trash can probably occupy your first week. You sweat, you get dirty, but at the end of the week you get to see a clean area where you envision blooming flowers, plants, and trees.
• Selecting plants and flowers requires a visit to a local garden. All those lively green color will calm and comfort you. Green is the color of life, renewal, and energy.
• Digging the soil requires strength. While creating holes for your baby plants, think of burying your anger and frustrations in the hole and observe how you feel in the end. A bit lighter now, dear?
• Planting the pothos, creeping Charlie, bougainvillea, and sampaguita in their designated areas or pots is a very tender action. By now, your anger has melted away and you now take control of where every plant should be and how deep they should be rooted. This sense of control is satisfying—unlike the overwhelming emotions of dealing with people who think differently.
• Pruning allows your garden to thrive and grow beautifully. Think of it as trimming the excess negative energies in your life.
• Watering your garden every day is a simple nurturing act, but this leaves newbies and hobbyists with a profound sense of achievement.

This green exercise develops a healthier disposition, a calming attitude, and self-confidence. If you have not started on your social and therapeutic horticulture yet, visit the Quezon Memorial Circle and get excited by the plants on display; the Sidcor Sunday Market at Centris; and  Cedarhills Garden Center at Mother Ignacia St.

Note: This story is inspired by an FB post: I garden because punching people is frowned upon.