PLANT POWER

I was a plant killer.  

For many years despite my best efforts, I would kill plants, every one of them would die within weeks.

Even the cold, unaffectionate disinterested cacti would die under my care. I was a shit mum and every plant reminded me of this fact.

Until Lockdown.

When I finally slooowed right down, my plants started to feel me, like me and started to grow well as we created stronger bonds together.

Plants and trees have a very slow sensitive frequency, therefore they feel if you are rushed and too busy for them. When you take care of them with affection, care and love, they respond by growing lush vibrant green foliage that is pure and bright. 

Like a child's smile.

I had been living too fast and furious for my plants, even the desert babies. My energy was too scattered and go-go-go. SO my plants responded with the ultimate middle finger up, by dying on me!

Now I absolutely love growing; both down the allotment and at home. The little guys in my home are much easier to manage than the wild west allotment crew, though ultimately they're all cousins and connected..

Here are 5 Reasons to Get Growing;

1.They allow us to breathe better.

An obvious one;  as they purify the air and produce the oxygen we need, though they allow us to also be more aware of the quality of our breaths; the depth, rhythm and pace.

2. They improve our observation skills

By paying attention to them and their leaves, their flowers, their soil and their growth, we are actually sharpening our ways of seeing. Which in term contributes to a better way of being.

3. They get us feeling grounded, safe and secure.

Fact. There are so many uncertainties out there in the world right now. Plants and soil and earth, ground you in your own existence. As we say in the yoga world “Root down to Rise up.”

4. They make us feel happier.

Nature is life and life is nature. So we are nature right? Therefore the more nature we bring from outdoors indoors, the more of a positive effect this has on our mental wellbeing. Many studies have proven this. You only have to go to any cafe with a vertical plant wall to find that those seats are occupied immediately and continuously throughout the day. Why? Because whether conscious or unconscious, we know intrinsically that plants make us feel better while we work.

5.Plants teach us PRESENCE. 

They show us how to be more mindful, sensitive, and to move slower.

Maybe this is just my lesson though I get many friends - who I used to be like- telling me they can't grow plants. I simply reply “When you truly are present, focus your whole head and heart while watering, fertilising, pruning or replanting, they feel it and respond in turn by growing well.”

Go buy yourself a pretty plant and practice presence, feel free to share any other growing advice.