Watering the Spirit and Soil During Droughts
By Jean Golicz, Master Gardener and Mercy by the Sea Volunteer
Posted on
Nurturing growth during times of scarcity is a challenge for the gardener and the seeker. Certain guidelines apply to both the quest for a bountiful harvest and a fruitful life. Here are just a few:
Preparation
One must start with good soil. Watering land that is compacted and not fertile is wasteful.
Likewise, the soil of our spirit must be open to spiritual direction.
Cultivation
The gardener does not plant and then ignore the new seedlings. Instead, faithful aerating creates soil that can absorb water while weeding eliminates other plants that compete for valuable resources.
It’s a good practice to eliminate distractions from our life that crowd out the spiritual lessons we seek.
Protection
Mulching is essential so that nutrients are protected.
We all need times of rest when we can quietly savor the fruits of the spirit, both ours and those that are shared in community. Faith, hope and love shelter us during difficult times.
Consistency
Faithfully and predictably, devote time to prayer and watering, preferably early in the morning before the harsh sun wilts not only our plants but our desire to experience the transcendent.
Pervasiveness
Roots go deep. It is not healthy to quickly shower a few drops on vulnerable leaves. It is better to provide a deep soaking. Ironically, this is often accomplished after a storm when the soil is open to receive the blessing of water. Yes, it is wise to water in the rain.
It is necessary to nurture ourselves even when there is abundance.
To learn more about testing your soil to maximize your resources. go to website of UConn’s Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory. The Laboratory has three major objectives:
- First is to provide an inexpensive means for both agricultural producers and homeowners to test their soil fertility and receive environmentally sound limestone and fertilizer recommendations.
- The second major focus of the Laboratory is education. Through analyses as well as outreach efforts, Laboratory clients and the public are informed about wise soil management and fertility practices.
- The Laboratory also analyses research samples for University faculty and graduate students and serves as a teaching laboratory for several Department of Plant Science classes.
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