Roots and Rhythm

She dug her fingers into the soil, feeling the earth crumble between her palms. Horticultural activity improves mood, reduces stress, and encourages mindfulness by engaging both attention and tactile sensation (Clatworthy et al. 119).

Even short sessions of gardening have been shown to increase overall life satisfaction and sense of accomplishment (Van Den Berg and Custers 164). Each seed planted was a small act of purpose, a rhythm that grounded her in presence. Growth was patient. So was she.

Works Cited (MLA)
Clatworthy, Jennifer, et al. “Gardening: A Mental Health Intervention.” Perspectives in Public Health, vol. 132, no. 2, 2012, pp. 115–121.
Van Den Berg, Agnes E., and Mariëtte H. G. Custers. “Gardening Promotes Neuroendocrine and Affective Restoration from Stress.” Journal of Health Psychology, vol. 16, no. 1, 2011, pp. 3–11.