Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos
In the frenzied world that we live in, it is important to have what is called a work-life balance.
At the beginning of the year, it is easy to make resolutions and promises to be kinder to oneself and leave time for relaxation, allocating golden moments to be with family and friends, and for oneself, snatching that much-needed reflection to make for enlightened day-today choices.
In the era of great turmoil that we face, where seeming hatred and vengeance for other beings seem to be a normal thing to do, we need to have those me-time to be more attuned with our core values and inner soul and not be overwhelmed and worse, give up.
Many have become adherents to painting, yoga and meditation, to mention as few, as the rewards are tremendous such as healthy lifestyle, stress management, a sense of well-being, among a host of benefits.
Gardening is another solitary pastime that is enormously rewarding, makes one feel closer to nature, spiritually uplifting and yes, it does provide a healthy diversion from earthy challenges.
One gets to appreciate and value the cycle of life and the changing season, although with the onset of climate change and corresponding weather aberration, activities that go with each are harder to predict. Our farmers and fishers are being driven deeper into destitution, as a result.
There are moments in the garden that are filled with the unexpected. Butterflies flutter around as if wanting to be your friend. Insects that seem to have been extinct from your vision such as the large cricket of your childhood appears out of nowhere.
But, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing the seeds planted days back, spring to life, growing and eventually bearing fruits, flowers, vegetables, or becoming a stately plant or tree.
Each is special, just like a human being.
Those who tend gardens know that there has to be time and attention given to the plants. Like children, they need a healthy dosage of love, care and attention.
They need adequate sunshine and water to thrive.
Of course, there are wild plants resistant to the forces of nature, again, just like not a few of us.
Nature does not really require much from us. Just let it be, let it heal and the returns it gives us are bountiful. This is the rationale of having natural parks and marine protected areas where human activities are not allowed.
This is the reason why scientists are pushing for science based decision making and viable management framework for important species of fish such as sardines as their stocks are dwindling.
We need to sacrifice in the short-term but the long-term benefits translate to abundant harvests and healthier and more resilient ecosystems, which we all need, especially with the climate crisis enveloping our planet.
I’ve been traveling a lot since the year started. No regrets, of course, but the foliage I cared for suffered. There was one particular tree that suddenly shed off of its leaves which I attributed to the lack of regular watering.
Not sure if it was still alive, I did not give up and continued to care for it for weeks. It gave me a beautiful surprise when on the day our grandson was born, it showed its buds.
It’s alive and flourishing and has become a meaningful symbol of rebirth, rejuvenation and endless possibilities.
Winter season in temperate countries gives the landscape an eerie feeling as leaves are nowhere to be found. The snow-covered trunk and branches of the trees seem bereft of life.
Then, spring comes and small leaves begin to sprout with birds start singing after a long hibernation.
The atmosphere becomes vibrant and lovely once more, after a period of rest and quiet.
The poet, William Alexander, has this beautiful poem on compelling lessons from the Earth’s changing season:
“Earth teach me to forget myself
as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me resignation
as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me courage
as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me regeneration
as the seed which rises in the spring.”
Let us impart to our children and grandchildren the beauty, values and lessons from Nature. Most important, let us be the model from which their ethical values of caring and stewardship for nature and humans will spring from.