by Kathy Ruff
This week I worked on planting my vegetable garden, and I just finished this morning. I planted my broccoli (see earlier picture), leaf lettuce and onion at the end of April, but I waited until this weekend to finish the rest.
Despite little red dots that look like measles from gnat bites and extra dirt on my body from swatting at them, I really enjoy getting into the soil. Helping to grow edible foods from seed creates a unique connection with nature, one that goes beyond admiring its beauty.
The digging, the dirt under your fingernails and the smell of Mother Earth that will nurture the seeds combine to create an awareness of how interconnected we all are. The tilled soil gently holds the seeds, allowing them to transform from within and spread their roots down while simultaneously pushing toward the sunlight and warmth above. The rain waters the roots, which continue to grow downward for stability.
Like the seeds in the freshly tilled soil, Mother Nature holds us gently as we grow into who we were meant to be. Like the seedlings, our roots grab hold of that security and push downward to create a solid footing. At the same time, we grow up — physically, mentally and spiritually — and offer the fruits of our essence to the world.
In a short few months, I will taste my connection with Mother Nature as my tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, yellow and grean beans, carrots and lettuce yield their bounties.
Can you see the similarities? How will you connect with Mother Nature today?
