After spending hours in therapy sessions, there’s nothing quite like stepping into my backyard to decompress. The simple act of caring for outdoor spaces offers something our indoor lives often lack: tangible progress and natural rhythm.
Yard maintenance isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s about creating sanctuary. When we pull weeds, trim overgrown branches, and nurture growing things, we’re engaging in a form of active meditation. Our hands work while our minds process, and there’s genuine satisfaction in seeing immediate results from our efforts.
Lately, I’ve been using my pump sprayer (https://amzn.to/4lMKAwG) with a simple, pet-safe mixture: white vinegar, a splash of dish soap, and water. It’s effective for spot-treating weeds and deterring pests without worrying about my dog’s safety when he bounds through the treated areas. There’s something empowering about creating solutions from everyday ingredients—it mirrors the resourcefulness we often need to cultivate in our emotional lives.
The garden teaches us that growth takes time, that some seasons are for planting and others for pruning. Working with soil reminds us that we, too, can be both tender and resilient.
Whether it’s ten minutes of weeding or an afternoon of planting, time spent caring for our outdoor spaces invariably becomes time spent caring for ourselves.
How does nature help you reset and recharge?
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