When I walked out the back door into our garden yesterday, cup of coffee in hand, I saw a startled squirrel leap from the ground near some tulips planted at the feet of St. Francis. Two bounds and he was atop the fence in alert posture. In his mouth was a startlingly red tulip petal.
As he scampered off, I checked on the tulips. Sure enough, one flower was missing a petal. I did not begrudge it. He left many more behind for us.
I am grateful for both the tulips and the squirrel. And for the philosopher/psychologist/gardener who cares for them.
Thank you, Almut! Instead of “I have to work in my garden/yard today”, I’ll reframe that statement to, “I’m going to do spiritual practice in my garden/yard today”…far more motivating!
Thank you, Almut! I have always found peace and joy while working in my gardens. Sometimes when I stayed out too long, my dearest (a lover of languages) would call to me “du arbeitest zu viel”. Now I must remind myself when it comes time to stop. Fortunately we’ve had lovely gardening weather and I’ve been assisted by my son-in-law with some planting tasks during recent weeks.
what a precious memory, dear Kathryn. And what a lovely German line to remember :-) I hope the garden will continue to hold your soul and give you what you need.
When I walked out the back door into our garden yesterday, cup of coffee in hand, I saw a startled squirrel leap from the ground near some tulips planted at the feet of St. Francis. Two bounds and he was atop the fence in alert posture. In his mouth was a startlingly red tulip petal.
As he scampered off, I checked on the tulips. Sure enough, one flower was missing a petal. I did not begrudge it. He left many more behind for us.
I am grateful for both the tulips and the squirrel. And for the philosopher/psychologist/gardener who cares for them.
Ha! Vielen Dank 🙏
Amen to gardening as sacred rebellion!
Bless you for the inspiration, dear friend 🙏
Thank you, Almut! Instead of “I have to work in my garden/yard today”, I’ll reframe that statement to, “I’m going to do spiritual practice in my garden/yard today”…far more motivating!
p.s. Thank you for giving the 🌷 tulips new life 😊
Certainly. Glad I could offer some motivation!
Thank you, Almut! I have always found peace and joy while working in my gardens. Sometimes when I stayed out too long, my dearest (a lover of languages) would call to me “du arbeitest zu viel”. Now I must remind myself when it comes time to stop. Fortunately we’ve had lovely gardening weather and I’ve been assisted by my son-in-law with some planting tasks during recent weeks.
what a precious memory, dear Kathryn. And what a lovely German line to remember :-) I hope the garden will continue to hold your soul and give you what you need.
Love this entry! I haven’t thought of gardening as a spiritual practice. Thank you.
Glad to hear this, Carolanne. I love to visit monastic gardens, especially in Europe (my home). There is a long tradition of monastic gardens.