More than contemplation
Last post 15-07-2009 8:50 AM by RogerBee. 4 replies.
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01/07/2009 06:36 PM
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- jemima
- 14 Jun 2009
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I read most of the posts describing a garden's purpose with enthusiasm and interest. For me weeding seems to be the most constructive as unlike almost any other garden task time escapes you but you end up with the satisfaction of defying the unwanted specimens for a few minutes. I am convinced always that more are just lurking under the surface waiting for you to turn your back.
But the reason why I introduced a separate post was to suggest that contemplation (after the work in question is done for the time being) be extended beyond the beauty and joy of the colour, texture and scent of the plants. The myriad ways (far beyond cooking, gardening, botany and medicine) in which the individual species are entangled in our lives are incredible and an added cause for even more awe. The garden becomes a gateway to the world.
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01/07/2009 10:05 PM
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- Digger
- Northern UK
- 18 Jul 2005
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4,743
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 I sometimes use my garden for when I want some quiet time to think about stuff, but then I always find something to do, which is what I like most about my garden ,doing things dead heading weeding watering tying in etc... I have to be tinkering when I'm in the garden, but sometimes it's just nice to walk around the garden with the dogs doing nothing at all but looking.
digger 
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14/07/2009 11:52 PM
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I seem to do my best thinking and contemplating while just walking around, and have built my garden with running paths that make it seem like you're going somewhere. The sensation of moving and running thoughts seem to work for me. If I sit down on a garden bench, I end up getting squirmy and start pulling at weeds, pinching off buds, etc. A good path is the road to thoughts......it is an analogy to a wandering mind .
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15/07/2009 12:13 AM
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I spend a lot of my spare time in my back garden. This evening I noticed a cabbage white butterfly fly out from my cabbages when I moved them, also found some whitefly on my tomato plants so I fetched my recycled kitchen spray bottle filled it with soapy water and sprayed them with it and then felt pangs of guilt about doing it. I just want them to go somewhere else and not eat my produce. On the other hand I feed the birds and top up the water in my bird bath and that makes me feel more human.
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15/07/2009 08:50 AM
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- RogerBee
- Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
- 14 Jan 2009
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Digging the allotment is contemplation time for me. I can let my mind drift off in whatever direction I want and the only thing to interrupt me is the joy of getting yet another piece of bindweed root or cooch grass out. Whenever I wander round the garden I am admiring the flowers that are in bloom, looking at what is doing well, what needs sorting out, how to fill a space or a myriad of other thoughts that crowd out any time for contemplation.
Give it a go - it might just work!
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