Sometimes, surrendering to your powerlessness against addiction can leave you feeling hopeless. You may stare at your life wondering if change is even possible. You continue to yearn for it, yet feel overwhelmed with doubt.
If this is you, one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself is quiet your thoughts and keep a one-track mind aimed at sobriety. Many people do this by spending time on something outside of themselves, such as exercise or creative arts. By making one small positive change to a familiar environment, horticulture therapy or gardening can provide healing to an individual by igniting a subtle but powerful shift in perspective.
Getting Started
To begin your horticulture journey, select a plot of earth or create your own personal patch with a pot or window box, then plan what you want to grow. Perhaps it can be flowers to beautify your surroundings or vegetables to nourish your healthy lifestyle. Making this simple choice can generate a sensation of breaking free from old patterns.
Next, prepare the soil. Stake out your garden and use a shovel and hoe to loosen the soil. Then mix in nutrients to allow things to germinate. Remember, nothing grows without tilling, fertilization and some tender loving care. As you care for and decide what to grow on your plot of land, it should also stir feelings of change and growth in you. You’ll be surprised at how amazing you’ll feel in turn on the inside..
Training Ground
The act of planting seeds, flowers, fruits or vegetables in neat rows or wildly scattered patterns also livens up your sense of control. Once they’re buried in soil and you’re tending to them on a daily basis, it will only be a matter of time before the flowers bloom or the fruits and vegetables can be harvested. As with life, the decisions you make with this garden has a direct impact on its future.
In the end, witnessing your garden sprout due to your consistent efforts and realizing that you’re capable of directly changing your surroundings will give you a sense of accomplishment. You will also get a first-hand look at the benefits of what some planning, hard work, slow nurturing and TLC can produce. As your garden continues to grow, it will be a figurative reminder to you that your daily choices and actions are what continue to keep you free in living a healthy and fruitful life.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for behavioral, alcohol or drug addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 866-606-0182 to start the path to recovery today.
