There's a Kind of Hush

In the depths of January here on Cape Cod, gardens take on a different guise. Gone are the vibrant hues of blooming hydrangeas and the verdant greenery of our pine-oak forests. What remains when the earth lies still beneath a blanket of frost is a landscape stripped bare, seemingly devoid of life. Yet, if we look closer, we can uncover a profound metaphor hidden within the hush of the winter garden—one that speaks to the rest and rejuvenation we all crave.

The notion of rest can feel foreign, even counterintuitive, in a world that often glorifies constant productivity and perpetual motion. As the garden surrenders to the rhythm of the seasons, let’s learn to honor the natural rhythm of our life, allowing ourselves to pause and recharge amidst the hustle and bustle of daily living. Winter teaches us that periods of dormancy are not only necessary but essential for growth.

Think about it: beneath the frozen earth, roots lie dormant, conserving energy and preparing for the eventual resurgence of spring. Similarly, in our own lives, moments of stillness allow us the chance to replenish our energy and ponder our journey. It is during these times of repose that we have the opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and reconnect with ourselves on a deeper level.

A winter garden invites us to cultivate this sense of mindfulness and presence. When we feel pulled in so many different directions, the stillness of winter offers a rare opportunity to simply be—to savor the beauty of the moment without the distraction of constant busyness. By immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the winter garden, we can awaken to the inherent richness of the present moment, finding solace and serenity amidst the routines of hectic schedules.

So as you embrace the peacefulness of winter, remember the wisdom of the garden. Nurture your inner landscape, allowing space for renewal, reflection, and ultimately, the blossoming of your whole, true self. For in the stillness of winter, we find the seeds of our greatest potential, waiting patiently to be awakened.

Meditatio

In Latin, “meditatio” is a noun that translates to “contemplation.” Research has not definitely pinpointed where in the world humans first started practicing intentional meditation as part of a culture’s spiritual traditions, but we have some evidence from India and China going back thousands of years. Many religions have an introspective ritual that encourages practitioners to reflect in silence to gain perspective on challenges in life. Secular practices encourage stillness and a focus on one’s breath.

The Beatles studied transcendental meditation in the 1960s. Jon Kabat-Zinn linked meditation to mindfulness for adults starting in the 1970s. I started practicing meditation in the 1980s and became a certified meditation teacher in 2019.

In today’s world, we have a variety of meditation techniques from which to choose; science has investigated the many health benefits of meditation across a range of physical and mental conditions. I encourage you to explore what works well for you.

What's In Your Garden?

My father was born on a small rural farm in 1926, the eldest of eight children. In 1938, his dad died, leaving 12-year-old Murray to help his mom manage the farm and raise his younger siblings. A few years later, his mom asked if he thought they could afford to house three more children, cousins in need. He responded, “Sure - we’ll just plant a bigger garden.”

My dad grew up during the Great Depression and he was always proud that he and his family never went hungry and always had a safe place to sleep. He was an optimist with a positive attitude, trusting that he could figure out a solution to almost any problem. He did not amass any financial fortunes but his life was lived in abundant love and he treasured his big vegetable gardens.

Practicing healthy, intentional living is a lot like gardening. In the 20th century, psychiatry and psychology practitioners studied how to heal trauma and mental illness. We now know so much about weeding out that which is toxic in our lives.

But if we don’t cultivate what we actually want in our gardens, we are left with just an empty plot of dirt once the weeds are all pulled out.

What do you want to plant in your garden? Optimism? Community? Gratitude? Mindfulness? Balance? What strengths do you have that will help you grow your garden?

Finding ways to intentionally focus on what gives your life meaning and fulfillment, will help you nurture yourself and your goals in your garden. How much time are you engaging with loved ones in positive ways? How is your life’s work supporting your sense of purpose in your community? From where are you deriving pleasure and enjoyment? What does your garden look like?