Living Green: Irrigating Arid Environment

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Many of us who are concerned about the environment are landscaping our yards with plants and shrubs that are drought resistant and can thrive with very little care and maintenance, creating what we call xeriscape.

This is a responsible thing to do as far as our yards are concerned, but it is not so good for our personal lives.

How many of us live in an arid environment? Barely able to maintain our root system let alone bloom beautifully, on the amount of emotional sustenance we receive.

Living green irrigating arid environment is making choices and taking action to lead healthier and more sustainable life 24/7 365 days a year.

In order to emotionally support ourselves, we need to become gently honest with ourselves whether or not our lives and relationships are supporting us—giving us enough love and attention to thrive—or whether we are dying of thirst.

We also need to examine whether we are providing enough of the emotional essential for those we love.

If we have settled for a situation that is barren, we need to find ways to bring it back to life. If that is not possible, we must create other oases for ourselves—among people who appreciate us, our activities that fulfill us, hobbies that give us a sense of worth and pleasure, and even dreams that give us hope.

We can learn to water our own landscape and create a flourishing garden out of our life. Right at a time in your life when you feel lost, empty and, at times numb, shake it off.

Sit in the corner of the room. Close your eyes and visualize yourself in a verdant garden. Browse leisurely through the beauty of this special place. Sense that your truly belong here. It is yours. Then feel yourself uplifted by the sights and smells of this magical oasis. Now imagine what flower you might be if you were a resident of this garden. What do you need to keep you healthy and blooming? In what small way can you begin to bring this nourishment into your daily life?

If you are struggling to survive in a xeriscape, you can change that by paying better attention to your wants and needs. Make choices and take action to lead healthier and more sustainable lives, 365 days a year. Create springs in the garden where you can quench your thirst. Let it overflow. Generously spill it out for others.

Breathe clearly with each breath as you walk the road, each step following your breath. Returning from your silent walk, go to bed settling your mind from distractions.

"My stomach relaxes.", "It's easy to let go.", "I feel a sense of trust.", "I feel welcome.", "and I know I won't be judged." All suggest an environment of healing, living green.