The Art of Action — Doing “That” Idea

This past weekend I took some time to recharge by getting away from the busyness of New York City. I spent my time about 20 minutes outside of Beacon, New York by the countryside — exploring the wonders of simplicity, connecting with nature, cultivating intellect, and appreciating roly-polies. A piece of my experience, that was one of the main highlights, centered around community gardening. I grew (no pun intended) through patient work and by fully immersing myself in the process of tending to plants and nurturing a shared space.

It is important to remain mindful of focused effort for taking action. The more we focus on the task at hand (and accept another pair of hands when needed), we can unlock a wealth of insight. Often times the best work is the work itself, rather than merely the idea of itself and/or its outcome.

Below are some of the key community gardening takeaways from my weekend far from the noisy demands of New York City:

Connecting with Nature

Become one with what is in front of you.

In a society dominated by screens and technology, I was able to grow a deeper understanding of how community gardening can serve as a powerful antidote. By stepping outside, feeling the soil between our (gloved) fingers, and witnessing the miracle of growth firsthand, we are reminded of our connection to the natural world. Sometimes, while caught up in the busyness of our everyday lives, we can forget to stop and smell the roses (literally). The act of cultivating land to set the stage for something new has the ability to engage all our senses, enabling us to experience the textures, smells, and sounds of nature. Through this interaction, we can develop a deeper understanding of the intricate web of life and learn to appreciate the immense effort and resilience required to reap the fruits (or vegetables) of our labor.

Learning by Doing

Actually do the task at hand and the results shall follow.

In the realm of doing, theory can only take us so far — this notion can be applied to aspects of our lives where we apply theory without practice. While reading techniques (ex. gardening care, best time of year to plant, top fertilizers, etc.) can provide a foundation of knowledge, it is the hands-on experience that truly allows us to grasp the subtleties and nuances of a craft. As a community, we can come together to share our individual expertise and learn from one another’s experiences. By collaborating and working side by side, we tap into a collective wisdom that surpasses what any single person can accomplish alone. This collaborative learning fosters a supportive environment where mistakes become valuable lessons and triumphs become shared successes.

Fostering Patience and Perseverance

Practice can make the heart grow fonder.

From the quality time shared with nature, I have grown (no pun intended) to understand that gardening can be an excellent teacher of patience and perseverance. Seeds do not sprout overnight, and plants require consistent care and attention in nature. Through the act of nurturing a garden as a community, we can learn to cultivate patience. Acknowledge that great results truly can take time. The journey of tending a garden can remind us that great achievements are seldom instantaneous; they require dedication and sustained effort. The practice of gardening also teaches us resilience — how to adapt to unexpected challenges, such as unpredictable weather or pest invasions in the wild (similar to what is unforeseen in our day-to-day). These lessons transfer effortlessly to other aspects of our lives, enabling us to approach work with a steady and determined mindset.

Creating a Sense of Ownership and Belonging

Holding yourself accountable can drive keen success.

It is fascinating how much a disconnection day upstate in rural New York can showcase a sense of connection and way of being. Community gardening is not just about plants, it’s about fostering a sense of ownership and belonging within a shared space. As we work collaboratively we cultivate a deep connection to one another. This shared ownership instills a sense of responsibility, encouraging us to care for the overall garden as if it were all our own. The act of contributing to something larger than ourselves can create a profound sense of pride and fulfillment — it has the ability to strengthen the fabric of community, forging bonds that transcend individual interests and nurture a natural collective identity.

So let us roll up our sleeves, dig deep into the soil, and allow ourselves to be transformed by the profound wisdom that lies within the act of doing. In doing so, we discover the true essence of work and unlock a deeper understanding of the world around us. 🌱