A gardening-based, spiritual emotional support group, where you may meet the Creator amidst creation in guided mindful meditation. Then, we garden with conversation partners because not only do interacting with soil, plants and removing weeds improve mood, so does moving toward each other and God in these ways.
For Whom is Grounded Gardening?
For you, who seek to improve your mental and spiritual health by creative means.
For you, who love to garden or want to learn about gardening or just like plants or flowers.
For you, who connect to God through creation.
For you, who have had a hard time connecting to God.
For you, hurt by the church or Christians telling you how your faith should be.
For you, who are so depressed that you honestly are not sure you can make it here or do anything at all once you have physically arrived.
For you, who are so anxious, you can’t say.
What is it like?
Connection & stillness in the midst of life.
We begin with a time of grounding, mindfulness, connecting to the Creator through creation, using the body and the senses.
We transition to some gardening, while considering with our gardening partners,
“What do I want to grow in my life? What needs to be pulled out?”
Last we create a bouquet for ourselves, because we are beloved children of God, deserving of goodness, and possibly an additional bouquet to give to another, because giving without expectations can be beneficial to the mood as well.
Why we do what we do?
So many people with mental health variances, who have been wounded by the church and by Christians, need a place free of the triggers of church in order to heal and reconnect with God and others who understand. Meditation, mindfulness and breath exercises reduce anxiety and depression. Social connection improves mood as does connecting with God through prayer and meditation. Finally, participating in outdoor activities is known to improve mood.
All of these things we do to improve mood, also affects the way we feel about God. And, as our mood improves, we often feel closer to God and more able to worship and serve, which can further improve our mood.
Come, be with us just as you are.
Come, sit with us in the sanctuary of the garden.
Come, breathe with us.
Come, grow together with us.
Come, garden with us.
