As the chill of winter begins to fade and the first tender shoots of green emerge from the earth, we find ourselves standing on the threshold of a profound moment in the natural cycle: the Spring Equinox. This year, on or around March 20th, the day and night will balance in perfect harmony, marking a time of equilibrium, renewal, and the stirring of life’s boundless potential.
Gardening as a Path to Presence
By: Glenn Workman, Director of Life Temple
As April unfurls its vibrant green tapestry across the landscape, there’s a quiet invitation in the air—one that calls us to sink our hands into the soil and connect with the living world around us. Gardening, especially in this season of renewal, offers more than just a way to cultivate plants; it becomes a path to presence, a practice that grounds us in the moment and aligns us with the rhythms of nature. For those who feel drawn to the gentle unfolding of spring, this simple act can be a profound journey of patience, care, and connection—a journey that resonates deeply with the soul’s longing for harmony and growth.
Nurturing Growth
April is an ideal time to begin a garden, as the earth awakens from its winter rest. The lengthening days and warming soil beckon seeds to stir, offering a perfect opportunity to sow the first crops of the season — lettuce, radishes, peas, or even a few hardy herbs like parsley and chives. There’s something elemental about pressing a seed into the earth, covering it with a thin layer of soil, and watering it with hope. It’s a small act, yet it carries the weight of potential, a reminder that life thrives when given time and attention. For those new to gardening, this season provides a gentle entry point, a chance to learn by doing and to discover the quiet joy of nurturing growth.
Gardening as a Meditative Practice
But gardening is more than a means to an end — more than the promise of fresh vegetables or blooming flowers. It’s a meditative practice, one that invites us to slow down and be fully present. When we kneel beside a row of seedlings, our hands brushing against the cool earth, we step out of the rush of daily life and into a space where time seems to stretch. The act of weeding, pruning, or simply watching a bud swell requires patience, a willingness to meet the process where it is rather than where we want it to be. This presence is a gift, a way to anchor ourselves in the now, letting go of yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s plans.
The garden also teaches us about care in its truest sense. Each plant has its own needs — some crave sunlight, others thrive in shade; some demand consistent water, while others prefer to dry out between drinks. Learning these rhythms requires observation and attunement, a kind of listening that extends beyond words. As we tend to our plants, we cultivate a deeper awareness of our own needs, too. Are we giving ourselves enough nourishment — rest, movement, connection? Are we allowing space for our own growth, even when it feels slow? The garden becomes a mirror, reflecting back the balance we seek in our lives.
Start Small and Grow
For beginners, starting small is key. A single pot on a windowsill with a sprig of mint or a patch of soil in the backyard for a few lettuce seeds can be enough to begin. You don’t need a sprawling plot or years of experience — just a willingness to try. Gather a few basic tools: a trowel, some good soil, and a packet of seeds. Check your local climate — April’s weather varies, so choose plants suited to your region — and follow the seed packet’s instructions for depth and spacing. Water gently, and then wait. This waiting is where the magic happens, where presence meets trust. You might mark the days on a calendar or simply check in each morning, noticing the first green shoots as they break through the earth — a tiny triumph that speaks to life’s resilience.
A Rhythm to Gardening and Sense of Community
There’s a rhythm to gardening that mirrors the cycles of the natural world. April’s work — sowing, thinning, and mulching — sets the stage for the abundance of summer. But it’s not about rushing to the harvest; it’s about savoring each step. Pulling a weed might reveal a hidden sprout; turning the soil might uncover an earthworm, a quiet ally in the garden’s ecosystem. These moments invite us to marvel at the interconnectedness of life, how every small action ripples outward. In a world that often feels fragmented, this awareness can be a source of strength, a reminder that we’re part of something larger, a living web that sustains us.
Gardening also fosters a sense of community, even in solitude. Sharing a cutting with a neighbor, swapping seed tips with a friend, or simply tending a plot that feeds your household weaves us into a shared story of growth. For those who feel isolated, the garden can be a bridge, a place to connect with others or with the land itself. It’s a practice that doesn’t demand perfection—crooked rows and uneven watering are part of the journey—and that imperfection becomes a teacher, encouraging us to embrace our own humanness.
A Space for Reflection
As the days warm and the garden takes shape, it becomes a space for reflection. Sitting among the plants, feeling the sun on your face, you might ask: What am I cultivating in my own life? Are there habits I’d like to weed out, or intentions I’d like to nurture? The garden doesn’t judge; it simply grows, offering a steady presence that steadies us in return. This alignment with nature’s pace can heal, grounding us when the world feels chaotic and reminding us that growth — whether of a plant or a person — takes time.
Gardening is a Celebration of What is Possible
April’s gardening season is a celebration of possibility. Each seed planted is a vote for tomorrow, a quiet act of faith in the unseen. As you watch your garden unfold — whether it’s a single basil plant or a row of carrots — you’re participating in a cycle that’s been turning for millennia, connecting you to the past and future in a single moment. This is the heart of presence: being here, now, with the earth beneath your hands and the sky above, trusting that what you sow will bloom in its own time.
So, this April, pick up a trowel, feel the soil, and step into the garden. Let it guide you to presence, to care, to the quiet beauty of being alive. The earth is ready—are you?
We Invite You to Explore Life’s Journey
We warmly invite you to join us at the Life Temple community as we come together to explore life’s journey. Whether you’re seeking new insights or simply wish to connect with others, our upcoming events offer a welcoming space to inspire, learn, and grow. Details and registration can be found by visiting our Events Calendar.
*For Life Temple Members, you can see the event details when you are logged in. If you are not already a Club Community member, consider joining and create a login.
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