Connect to Nature to Find Peace and Joy

In the early spring on 2020, I discovered the joy of gardening. It was just when the Pandemic was starting to rage and my career as a physician started to be one of the most burdensome areas of my life. Day after day of not really knowing how it was going to play out and feeling helpless against the fight against COVID-19, prompted me to look for respite. I found it from digging in the dirt, planting seeds and nurturing those seeds until they grew into full fledged vegetables.

I had never been an outdoorsy kind of person before. I hated bugs and worms were “yucky”! That all changed with the sight of my first seedling. I felt joy that I never thought would be associated with such a thing. The hope for more that a tiny seedling held became precious to me. Being outside in the fresh air planting my seedlings renewed my faith and reverence for the gifts of the earth. It was a magical feeling when I harvested my first tomato. I almost burst into happy tears the day I cut up my first cauliflower for some yummy cauliflower cheddar soup. It was all truly a gift from Mother Earth and I was so very grateful.

In 2021, I expanded my vegetable garden and added a separate flower garden and lemon tree. I’m still in awe of the beauty of nature. I poured my love and joy into my garden and it rewarded me with nutritious vegetables and herbs to eat and beautiful flowers to smell and look at. I’ve attached some pictures below.

Gardening isn’t the only way to connect to nature. You may choose to go for walks through the park or hikes in the forest. You can sit and watch the waves wash upon the shore or climb a hill or mountain. Whatever you choose to do, pour all your heart into it, stay present and watch how your worries and cares melt away.

There is peace in nature. There is love and there is joy.