This time of the year has always signaled the start of the Spring season in India. It is a beautiful period which focuses acutely on regrowth, replenishment and rejuvenation. New leaves, lush green and healthy, start growing on trees. Buds open up and start posing as pretty flowers. Shoots peek out from under the soil, seeds germinate merrily and animals wake up from their deep slumber. This is truly the season of growth, vitality and life. The biggest takeaway from these wonders of nature, for us humans, is how to keep moving forward in our lives, especially with positive energy and vibes.
It happens so often that we are unable to forget and forgive. We don’t realize that cribbing, complaining, or even cursing others, will not do anything for us. Not every war needs to be fought with swords, there is a kind of quiet beauty in resilience, as well. Sure, there is strength in fighting, but there is an even greater strength in letting go. This is why it’s important to understand that forgiving others, even those who have wronged us in the worst way possible, is deeply powerful. If not for their sake, we can try forgiving them for our sake. Living our lives while constantly carrying those feelings of anger, pain, and bitterness, within ourselves takes something out of us. It affects our mental health and interferes with our healing process. No past event, no matter how bad, can completely change the trajectory of our life for the worse. It might seem that our life is over, but it takes so much more than a bad break-up, divorce, bankruptcy, or even the death of a loved one, for our lives to be actually over.
During turbulent times in our life, it is best to go back to basics. Reconnecting with nature is a fantastic way to ground ourselves and let go of our anguish. Walking barefoot on the grass, touching the bark of a tree, watering plants or taking up gardening, can go a long way in helping us tap into an inner sense of calmness. What’s more is that April is the perfect month to cultivate gardening as a hobby. Here are five plants that can be easily maintained, even in spaces, as small as a balcony garden:
- Basil: Basil thrives in warm conditions. Plant seeds in a well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Its aroma and flavor can complement any dish – from pesto pasta to a fresh salad.
- Marigold: Marigolds are vibrant flowers which grow easily in sunny areas. They can uplift any garden with their cheerful presence as well as act as a natural deterrent against pests.
- Mint: Mint is a fast-growing plant. It bears fragrant leaves which can spruce up any chutney in a heartbeat. It thrives best in partial sunlight and moist soil.
- Sunflower: Sunflowers require only sun and a well-drained soil. They look stunning and their seeds are a tasty snack. With regular watering, they can reach impressive heights.
- Jade: Jade is the easiest plant to grow, hands-down. This succulent requires very little water and can grow in almost any soil. Its bright green, shiny leaves can liven up any garden.
Being a plant parent can be quite a fulfilling journey. Do not shun it before even trying it. Let’s grow some plants. Let’s move forward in our lives.
The lines from this song – ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’ from the Bollywood movie, ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ say it all:
“Woh Jo Bichadte Hain, Ek Na Ek Din, Fir Mil Jate Hai
Yeh Aditi, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Phool Fir Khil Jate Hain”
Written By – Aastha Aggarwal
Aastha is a bibliophile, a foodie, a consulting professional and a full-time mum who is currently living in Noida. Writing is a cathartic process for her. She endeavors to inspire the next generation of readers with her writing.