Gardening as a Form of Slowing Down
1) Mindfulness and gardening slow us down
In a world that rewards speed, efficiency, and constant connectivity, the act of gardening offers a powerful form of resistance: slowing down. Gardening is more than just planting seeds and pulling weeds; it is a practice rooted in patience, presence, and a deep connection with the rhythms of nature. As our lives become increasingly fast-paced, gardening invites us to step out of the hustle and into a quieter, more mindful space.
2) Mindfulness and gardening ease stress
Psychologically, slowing down has significant benefits. Constant busyness can trigger chronic stress, fatigue, and feelings of burnout. Gardening, by contrast, nurtures a different pace. When we spend time tending to plants, we are encouraged to observe, listen, and respond – not with urgency, but with care. This act of attentiveness fosters mindfulness, a state of awareness linked to lower anxiety, improved mood, and better emotional regulation.
3) Mindfulness and gardening teach us patience
One of the deepest aspects of gardening is indeed its grounding effect. Working with soil, experiencing seasonal cycles, and watching plants grow over time reminds us that life unfolds slowly and organically. Unlike digital life, where everything is instant, gardening requires waiting – sometimes weeks or months for visible results. This natural delay can reframe our expectations, reducing impulsivity and helping us become more comfortable with uncertainty and a gradual progress.
4) Mindfulness and gardening calm the senses
Moreover, the sensory experience of gardening—touching soil, smelling flowers, hearing birds and bees—can calm the mind. Exposure to green spaces has been shown to reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and improve well-being. These calming moments help the nervous system shift from fight-or-flight mode into a state of rest and repair.
5) Mindfulness and gardening build purpose
Gardening also provides a sense of agency and accomplishment. Whether it is a single blooming flower or a full vegetable harvest, these outcomes reinforce the value of patience and consistent effort. The sense of nurturing something outside of ourselves can also cultivate empathy, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
6) Mindfulness and gardening resist the rush
In essence, gardening is a quiet rebellion against the rush we are so accustomed nowadays. It is a reminder that not everything needs to be immediate, efficient, or productive in the traditional sense. Sometimes, simply being present and tending to life as it unfolds—slowly, gently, patiently – is enough. In embracing this slowness, we not only grow plants, but also grow ourselves.
Written by Charlot Cauchi
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Charlot Cauchi is a Gestalt Psychotherapist at Willingness. He has experience working with adult clients with mental health difficulties, anxiety and depression, loss and grief, traumatic experiences, stress and relational issues.
References
Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.007
