Last weekend the sunshine was warm and bright, and I got out into the garden for the first time this year.I am a rather sloppy, erratic gardener. I'll spend all weekend doing bits and bobs, then abandon it completely for a while. Sometimes I love it, and sometimes I hate it.
Last weekend I repaired the net over the veg patch, planted some beetroot outside, planted all sorts of veg seeds inside, got some new potatoes into the ground, did some weeding, planted lots of flowers in pots, and went on several trips to the garden centre. I really enjoyed the things I did, and it led me to wonder why.
Hmm. I've been mulling this over, and the best way I can think of putting it is how 'spacious' I feel when I approach the garden. If I feel spacious, I approach one task at a time and I don't feel phased by the 99 tasks yet to do. I notice the rich smell of the earth and the rosy pinks of the rhubarb shoots. Trying to fish the dead leaves from the icy water in the watering can becomes a game rather than an annoyance.
If I feel hurried, I want to get what I'm doing done as soon as possible so I can get on with all the other jobs nagging for my attention - both in the garden and in my office. I feel impatient with myself for not getting things 'right', and for the objects around for me for being so awkward and time-wasting. I feel like a pretty rubbish gardener with too much garden and too little time.
The first way of working is pottering, and the second is battling. Although it feels like I'm working more slowly when I'm pottering, everything seems to get done.
The same is true for my writing. To get my writing done, I need to clear the decks as far as possible, and calm myself as much as I can. I need to focus on the little bit I'm writing now, rather than thinking about the whole book at once (argh!). I need to be kind and encouraging to myself, whilst not letting myself off the hook. I need to relish the words.
How can we get better at pottering? I'd be interested in your thoughts. Maybe starting to catch ourselves when we're speeding up can be helpful. Meditation is good for me. Here's to a week of pottering.
9 comments:
I am trying to slow down myself at the moment and finding it very difficult. It is essential after a herculean effort on the writing front but there is guilt attached. Strangely enough (as you mention too in your post) I still seem to be achieving what I need to achieve - it is as if life is happening in slow motion. If only I could hold on to that but I fear I will start running again!
It sounds a bit like "living in the moment." Something that I am trying to do, as well. I keep telling myself, "baby steps..."
I look forward to reading more on this subject from you and your readers. I'm sick and tired of being overwhelmed and never getting anywhere. :)
I know what "speeds" me up: the damn Internet. I can' seem to switch it off when I am writing. Why not? Help!
I long for more pottering time. I write the best when I am away from home, responsibilities and distractions, but it doesn't happen nearly often enough.
GW - I know - it's something I have to work at constantly. Interesting how persistant that guilt can be despite your rational mind...
Susan - welcome! Baby steps are good...
Tania - your comment made me smile wryly. Bloody internet. When I'm writing I try to keep myself away - sometimes it works and sometimes I fail miserably. I even created a completely separate profile for myself on my pc without internet access - I don't use it, of course...
Angie - welcome! I always think of Brenda Ueland when I think of pottering - must do a post on her soon.
wonderful, this is almost exactly what I plan to do next week while I'm off work. I went to the garden centre today and bought all kinds of seeds to grow a most amazing salad... I love pottering, it is my zen...
I've been pottering myself this week...something very satisfying about the word and the activity...pottering! Have made a conscious decision to live in the moment and to simplify life this year...so far it's working but it takes some effort not to do six things at once. The results are good though, well worth the effort. I recommend it...
Annie - yum - send a few leaves in the post... I did send my parents a home-grown garlic bulb last year, but maybe lettuce might have more trouble travelling.
Ashbee - welcome, lovely to have you here. Yes, it's a fantastic word, isn't it? I've always like 'puttering' too. As you say, it's a practice rather than something you can do once and for all, but reaps such benefits...
I inhale, exhale deeply and slowly and pay attention in my fingers whilst I'm working with plants.
Post a Comment