The Therapeutic Nature of Gardening

All human beings have a natural, primal connection with nature. This connection is often times suppressed due to the changing environment in everyday human lives, but every so often the instinctual force within every living life form draws them back to their origin. Although modern-day life does not often allow for this instinct to be satisfied, it is healthy to do so from time to time, to fulfill the inner longing for exposure to nature. Gardening can help accomplish this, for it allows people to experience nature first-hand and even contribute to its growth.

Because of the aforementioned instincts, many people are at ease in the hands of nature. However, the opportunity seldom arises to return to their origin, so the instincts go unsatisfied, or even suppressed further into human consciousness. After time, this compounding suppression builds up to the point where a great deal of unrealized stress and burden begins to harbor itself within the human soul. People may not feel its presence, but this stress can surreptitiously escalate to the point where emotions are affected. Mood swings, random fluctuations in habitual procedures, violent tempers, and other symptoms are the signs of this occurrence. Not only the longing for nature causes these subconscious deterrents, however. Everyday life, especially with its fast-paced nature, can lead to such symptoms. Social pressure, economic struggles, and an variety of other factors are all potential contributors to stress.

Gardening, although it may seem an insignificant act, can drastically improve the symptoms of stress. Simply the exposure to open air can provide relieve to anyone under significant pressure. The eternal longing for nature is temporarily satisfied, allowing for the subconscious mind to be brought forth to the surface, to the conscious mind, which in turn suppresses the stressful events and emotions. Anyone who has experienced this occurrence knows how powerful of a feeling it is. Similar to a sort of enlightenment, exposure to nature through gardening can relieve many symptoms of stress. Although these stressors will still need to be permanently resolved, gardening can at least provide a temporary barrier from them.

Also, gardening instills a sense of purpose, a feeling of contribution in the gardener. The gardener witnesses a patch of barren soil develop into a flourishing patch of flora and shrubbery, which gives them a satisfactory feeling. Any time a project of some kind is completed, a great emotion rushes over the participants. The accomplished sensation, the feeling that something great was started and completed the entire way through is a very powerful emotion. Anyone who has began a project (or multiple projects) only to abandon them halfway completed or less knows how discouraging it can be. By actually completing a project, the gardener is given that feeling of accomplishment.

Finally, gardening is an ongoing process, which allows a permanent activity that can be resumed at any time. Whenever a person feels pressure, stress, boredom, or a longing for the outdoors, gardening is always a viable option. Regardless of the circumstances, there is always room for improvement in a garden. Because of this, the gardener has a permanent outlet whenever he or she is feels so inclined to take advantage of it.

As one can see, there are many reasons why gardening is therapeutic. It eases the mind and soul, fulfills the longing for nature, and provides a permanent activity for a person to partake in. Whenever a person feels pressure, stress, or any other negative emotions, try gardening. Nothing aids mental fatigue better than fresh air and nature.