Tag: nature

Mindful gardening: the yogi way

by Erica Cheok

Most of us aim to do right by the earth. We try not to litter, we turn the water off while brushing our teeth, or we pick up trash when we see it on the way into a store.

Our gardens are the best place to make our pledge to be the earth’s stewards. We can control the chemicals that go into the earth, the structures and their ability to decompose in a beneficial way, and how to best support the animals and organisms that also call this patch of earth home.

Mindful gardening is all about being aware of all that goes into the process that make up your garden.

Here are a few things I do to keep my slice of heaven more alive.

1.) I dont spray my lawn with any fertilizers with weed killer added in. I am the only house on my street that has skunks and possums digging up her yard. I love it! It’s a great sign that my soil is thriving. The nightly visitors don’t bother us during the day and even show me where I might have to check for squash vine bores.

2.) I stain my cedar garden beds with TUNG oil. This oil is safe for microorganisms and growing food. No worries of toxic chemicals leaching into my food or the environment. It needs to be reapplied once a year, but it’s easy to slop on.

3.)I use lots of compost in my garden. This feeds plants as well as microbes. The cons are that the soil level drops over time, but by the the time that happens, Im already ready to put something new in that spot anyways. I love to plant my annual vegetables in it as well as top dress all my garden beds every year.

4.) I plant the NATIVE cultivars of plants when I can. This helps native bees, butterflies, moths, and wasp. I make sure to put these all over my garden so they can have plenty of food. I also make sure to stagger the plants by bloom time so there is always something for them to eat until they go into hibernation.

5.) I don’t kill spiders. I leave these hard working mamas and papas to protect my garden from the insects that would eat my plants down to nubs. Jumping spiders are my favorite followed by the orb weavers.

Do you have anything you do that brings about more health to your yard that you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments.

MOVE into more action in the spring

by Erica Cheok

According to Ayurveda, Spring is the time to tackle new active goals.

This can be confusing since Spring is associated with the Kapha Dosha. Kapha is a combination of the earth and water element. This means its nature is slow, smooth, cool, and easy going.

…That doesn’t seem too active to me.

So, why is Spring the best time to take action?

Because those are all great qualities to tap into when aiming for an new active goal.

When we tap into that easy going, slow and steady rhythm, we can’t burn out or get hurt as easily.

This season brings the slow awaking of the earth and when we tap into that slow unfurling of energy, we set ourselves up to gain momentum at a steady and joyous pace.

What’s a good exercise to get into? ALL OF THEM! This is the time to get into strength building, running, mountain biking, Vinyasa style yoga (you knew I had to say it) etc etc. The energy of the season supports it as long as you’re guided by that energy.

In the Summer (think last Frost Date), Pitta Dosha (fire element) becomes the main constitution of the season and amping up your actions can over heat your body and mind. It can also make feelings of frustration and competitiveness more dominate. In order to combat that, it’s important to embrace water and opportunities to stop and smell the roses. There’s also nothing wrong with embracing the fire element during the hottest months of the year, it can feel exhilarating and rejuvenating. It’s also a great time to take an activity “up a notch” as long as you spent time laying a good foundation during the spring.

Some things to take into consideration when starting a new active goal:

  • Know your limitations and guard them. Lead your body towards a new way of being with compassion.
  • Dont give up completely if you’re finding yourself out of your element/ comfort zone. Just chalk it up to learning and keep going.
  • If you need a professionals help, get it. Your results will come quicker when support is close by.
  • Make sure you’re still having fun. If you’re not, tap into the energy of spring and ask yourself how you could have more active fun today.

I hope you have a beautiful spring full of movement, flow, and joy.