Ecotherapy

To anyone who is looking for an outlet for stress relief, might I suggest planting/gardening? Doesn't have to be anything big, just something to watch develop, grow and care for. My mom and grandfather started us off when we were young, planting flowers every year and veggie seeds. It was a thrill as kids to pick carrots out of the ground. I remember getting yelled out for partially pulling one out that wasn't quite ready and trying to stuff it back in the ground. Grandpa would find a wilted carrot top hours later and lecture me on patience and letting things be until they're ready. A valuable life lesson indeed! And I loved picking flowers for my mom or to set at the altar of my deceased grandfather who I never knew. It was a special bonding experience. Just a few moments a day it might take to water your "crop" will provide an escape without leaving your yard. I love turning on the iPod to some great tunes (lately it's been Adele, One eskimO and some classic Guns and Roses) and wandering around the yard to see what's ripened, grown or in some cases began to die. There is a sense of great accomplishment when I set food out on the table that includes homegrown vegetables, herbs or fruit. If we had the space, I would love to have chickens for fresh daily eggs. So, whether it is a cactus, roses, veggies, fruit or decorative vine, get out there and grow something. It's well worth the time and effort :)