Walk it off

Somewhere in my history I was told that the solution to a problem was to "walk it off or rub some dirt on it".  I have no recollection of where that saying comes from.  I am guessing my early childhood as it has been with me for as long as I can remember.

I have always found solace and peace in walking.  It's a mundane activity that requires very little mental input and so my mind can wander and find it's place in my troubles then work through them as I plod along while "left-foot-right-foot" plays on repeat.  

I often use walking as a means for ridding myself of stress and tension; letting frustrations disappear as I pound the pavement.  I believe the reason walking is so effective is two-fold: firstly I get the time and space to look at what's bothering me and think it through and, secondly, I am blessed with an endorphin rush that makes the world look like a better place to be.

It was only recently, though, that I truly realised what the "rub dirt in it" part meant.  I had always taken the phrase to mean that you needed to toughen up; likening it to rubbing dirt into a wound and forging forward (perhaps risking infection along the way).  However, I have recently acknowledged that it's much more likely to be a reference to the benefit of reconnecting to earth.   

I have known for years about the therapeutic benefits of gardening (and have attended formal courses on the same). I am well aware of the importance of "green space" for positive mental health.  I marvel at the fact that the mental health benefits of the green space increases with increasing  biodiversity and know that's the reason people are attracted to rainforests and coral reefs.  

There's something pure and honest about digging into the earth, planting a seed and watching it grow.  The forced delayed gratification is an important component of this, I believe.  Generally speaking, with gardening you see the fruits of your labours long after you have put in the effort.  In the time between effort and reward there's generally maintenance required - weeding, watering, fertilising - but the benefits outweigh the hard work required (which is probably why the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria lists 420 clubs in metropolitan Melbourne).  

Furthermore, there's a responsibility to care for plants if you want them to grow well, especially when working with non-indigenous varieties as is generally the case in many gardens.  This creates a connection between gardener and garden akin to owner and pet.  I believe it's this connection that provides therapy.  Knowing something else is relying on you makes you feel important and needed and gives a sense of responsibility.  I believe human nature makes us desire a sense of belonging and encourages us to form connections.  In doing so, our own problems seem less significant and more easily surmountable.