Report From PIA – September 19th
What with my writing, speaking and radio show, I don’t always have time to spend in the garden. I try to do at least 15 minutes of gardening a day, but sometimes it’s just not possible. So last night I instituted a new practice: The Appreciation Walk.
The way that the AW works is this: on the days that I haven’t been able to work in the garden, I’ll take a slow walk around the house or property, depending on the time available. During this walk I will not talk on the phone, or think about what I’m going to do once I’m back inside. I won’t replay a past conversation or even have The Dog with me. I will focus on the garden.
A slow walk of appreciation, not even stopping to pull that crabgrass or self-seeded Rose-of-Sharon, noticing the entire garden. Being fully present in the garden just as it is right that moment is a treat for a gardener, and one that I don’t indulge in very often.
I made my first Appreciation Walk last night, savoring every plant, every bird call, and every breeze. I did not take my camera, so no photo today. It was magical.
