This week, in addition to getting back to a regular workout schedule, I’ve been getting my east garden cleared of deadfall and winter underbrush. I spent last season cutting a trail to the firepit in the west woods, now it’s time for the east yard to get in shape. It’s time consuming but it’s a labor of love. Spending time in nature lets me connect in a deeper way. Usually I’m weeding or pruning, seldom am I simply sitting in the garden, observing, appreciating. Having clear pathways between the trees will make it easier for me to commune each day in appreciation rather than chore. All week, I’ve been going out several times a day and doing an hour here, an hour there. The pruning, pulling and raking all use the muscles in my arms, chest, shoulders, legs, and back so I am out there until I wear myself out. Then I take a break inside doing computer work and run back out when my muscles have recuped. I decided to keep two piles of brush I’ve raked near the entrance as landscape berms, as they give privacy to the cleared pathways inside.    

The oak trees in the East garden here are Laurel Oaks which are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves annually, so right now I can see the sky, which is usually hidden. The Live Oaks are on my west property, they do not lose their leaves as readily. This morning, I moved all the cut bamboo upright next to the fence, picked up more deadfallen branches and about 3 miles of ferns, then raked the pine needles and oak leaves into mounds along the hidden back pathway to the Spirit Tree. Once again, my arms are exhausted! I’m glad I’m the boss of my body and I tell it when to quit. Interesting to hear my inner voice talk back to me saying, “no more, I’m done” when clearly there’s more left in me.   As I clear my garden, I also feel I’m clearing a space to relax and enjoy being more of who I am. I used to camp in the east woods, back in the day, and spend mini- retreats on weekends to get in touch with nature and bring myself back to balance. Why, I know the perfect spot for the tent…