“Science has proven that nature heals. Go outside and make time to connect with nature every day—even something as simple as going for a walk around the block or having your lunch on a park bench can make all the difference.”
-Rose Caiola
Five Life Lessons We Can Learn From Our Backyard
Life Lesson #1: Your Love is powerful!
Have you ever noticed that when you give your garden extra attention and love, the grass is greener and the flowers are healthier? This phenomenon is not your imagination; your garden is actually responding to your love and care.
And don’t just take my word for this…Love has also proven health benefits for people. Love encourages your body to produce oxytocin. Sometimes referred to as the “cuddle hormone,” oxytocin has been shown to improve the immune system, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure. Love also increases the production of dopamine which is linked to increased feelings of joy and pleasure.
Lesson #2: Never give up
Have you noticed that when you trim a tree or pull a weed, the tree grows back and the weeds seem to multiply? Nature continues to thrive even in the most unlikely circumstances. No matter how many times you try to tame nature, it refuses to conform. Perhaps this characteristic of nature is a source of frustration, as it certainly can create a lot of work.
Yet nature is also a source of inspiration because just like your garden, you have the capacity to grow and thrive no matter what obstacles life presents you.
For instance, in 1994, JK Rowling was recently divorced, on government aid and could barely afford to feed her baby. Three years later, her first Harry Potter book – Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone – was published. Now it’s estimated that the Potter books have now sold 400 million copies worldwide.
Never underestimate your potential to thrive; sometimes the weed that is cut back the most grows to be the strongest plant in the garden!
Lesson #3: Success is the result of consistent hard work
If you want a beautiful yard, you need to water it, pull weeds, trim it and take care of it on a regular basis. Have you noticed how quickly the garden falls apart when you go away?
Like your garden, dreams do not grow without daily cultivation. No matter what your circumstances, if you are willing to do the work, you can achieve your dreams! Take one step everyday – no matter how small – towards fulfilling your goals, and you will be amazed at how far you go.
Lesson #4: Embrace Change
Your garden is always changing. Leaves turn color in the fall, sometimes flowers bloom, sometimes flowers die, and sometimes trees lose their leaves.
You could become annoyed with the changes because you dread the job of having to rake up all of the falling leaves. Or you can enjoy the constant changes and appreciate the magic in the cycle of life!
Find enjoyment and growth in the constantly shifting terrain of life. Without change, life would be boring – even if change means you have to clean up a few messes –or leaves – along the way.
Lesson #5: Death is an essential part of life
Death for one means life for another. The groundcover in my garden is edging out the flowers. For the groundcover to thrive, it will take the life of the flowers. For the flowers to thrive, I will have to cut back the groundcover.
We, too, are part of the cycle of life and death. Rather than fear death, accept death as a natural part of life. Both your life and your death serve a purpose. Accepting the beauty in death gives you the freedom to fully embrace life.
Every day is an opportunity to appreciate the wonder of nature and the joy of life! Share your love, and take small steps towards your dreams every day. Embrace every moment – even in the midst of change, uncertainty and death.
