The Art and Science of Joy

O to make the most jubilant song!
 Full of music-full of manhood, womanhood, infancy!
 Full of common employments-full of grain and trees.

O for the voices of animals-O for the swiftness and balance of fishes!
O for the dropping of raindrops in a song!
O for the sunshine and motion of waves in a song!

“A Song of Joys”, Walt Whitman 1860

With May unfurling Her green beauty and winter’s snows a cold memory, we look to the great outdoors once again. Each in our unique fashion, we follow the warming and the greening. Myriad in our expression yet unified in our appreciation collectively we join in the songs of Joy. Lawns do not yet need mowing, and many of us find ourselves in humble thanks, often on our knees as we plant this year’s offerings to Her Majesty, the true Green Goddess. Such Joy to work with the earth. Such Joy to engage in the natural processes of Life.

We make choices…this year more roses…or this year some evergreen flowering bushes…or even this year for the pole beans and light on the tomatoes. These choices reflect the “art” of it, but we needs remember the Science. How much shade? Will the deer and rabbits eat what we plant? How much fertilizer (and what kind)? Are we poisoning the soil just for our own needs, or are we working with Her for Her unfoldment(s) and purposes? We need equal measures of art and science, unified by Intuition.

There are no right ways in this. Some start with the colors or the end products (fruits, vegetables, herbs) and apply the necessary “sciences” for actualization. Others take a more measures approach via analysis and study to develop a well-thought out plan. Regardless, if it is not Joyful, it is likely not to be totally fruitful. At the end of the (planting) day, it I Joy that makes it worthwhile. So, as we go about our tasks and plans, add many cups and shovels full of Joy.

This same approach to our outer gardens apply equally to our approach(es) to our Inner Gardens. Coming out of period of outer cold it is natural that our energies were also devoted to inner warmth. Winter affords us the opportunity to devote more time to meditation, contemplation, prayer. Many of us used this period for plans, for hopes, for dreams. In order for any inner desire to be manifest abundantly (bear fruit and flower, metaphorically speaking) we need to also take the time to clean up and weed out (inner) garden. How does this translate?

First, do an analysis of your inner landscape. Is it filled with “weeds”? These are the thoughts, beliefs and emotions that choke the truly wondrous plants we so desire. DO NOT use emotional or mental “pesticides”. Fear, hatred, and anger only serve, at best, to take off the tops of those “weeds”. The roots will then grow stronger and emerge elsewhere in our lives (and inner gardens). So, what to do. Hand-picking and hand-weeding is best. Get at the “root system”.  Many of our belief systems and thoughts are really weeds planted there by others- parents, friends, society. We have the ability to evaluate our thoughts and feelings, and then also to remove them. No one else is going to do that dirty work. Being on or knees, as in prayer, works wonders for our soul, and our inner “soil”. The science of  it is to utilize the best practices to which you have been attracted.If this practices, processes, and rituals, do not work- find new ones. How to tell if it is the “right” practice…easy. “Are you more Joyful?” is always the test.  Working spiritually without this Joy may produce momentary results, but sooner or later, the tasks will be overwhelming. If you find the process is too tiring, take some time off, take a ,momentary break, and then research other channels. We are very fortunate to have so many diverse practices available.

Part of the Science of (Inner) Gardening involves consistent watering and fertilizing. Too much fertilizer, I.e. over-indulging and bingeing on constantly processing can diminish our appreciation and joy of the “work”. Stick to a few things that work, as opposed to being constantly on the vigil for the “latest and greatest” techniques of self-actualization. Each (inner) plant, shrub, tree, herb, vegetable has its own requirements. Just as gardeners keep journals as to soil conditions, light, etc., so should you keep (written) track of your inner world. See what works, see what does not. The science is the left brain…the art is  in the appreciation and the integration and joyfulness.

Develop an intuitive and integrative approach. This will serve you with your outer gardens equally with your inner ones. What “feels” right? Go to your garden store or nursery with your heart open, as well as your mind. How to tell? Again, easy- close your eyes, picture the plants in your garden, and see if it has the smile/joy factor. Be patient with your choices.

As for your inner garden, the same applies- am I truly Joyful with my practices, as well as the results?