My Forest Garden Journey
Shantree Kacera, R.H., D.N., Ph.D.
In 1983, I stepped onto this fertile Earth, igniting a journey of creation as I meticulously crafted these gardens into immaculate sanctuaries, untouched by the encroachment of weeds. However, as time unfurled its tapestry, the gardens embarked on their narrative of growth and transformation. What had once been orderly plots soon evolved into a lush, untamed mosaic—a vibrant testament to the innate pulse of nature.
In bearing witness to this organic evolution, I was continually humbled by the resilience and artistry of the local, wild and native herbs, shrubs, and trees that flourished under my watchful eye—each passing season painted the landscape with deeper hues and more intricate textures, revealing the profound lesson of humility and adaptability inherent in the natural world—a rhythm older than memory, rooted in the wisdom of generations past.
As I opened myself to this sacred dance of growth and renewal, a profound truth emerged: our connection with the Earth transcends mere transaction—it is a sacred inheritance woven into the fabric of our existence. I began to perceive a symphony of life unfolding around me—an intricate interplay between the flora, fauna, and the very soul of the land itself. It was as though the Earth spoke in a language ancient and primal, beckoning me to join in its eternal cycle of regeneration and rebirth.
Embracing this deeper communion with the living Earth, I profoundly shifted towards a more harmonious and sustainable existence. Forty years on, my commitment to nurturing and sharing this sacred wisdom remains unwavering, recognizing it as an integral part of our collective journey toward balance and harmony.
Actual practice extends beyond mastering skills or techniques; it is the journey towards wholeness—a synthesis of mind, body, and spirit attuned to the natural world's rhythms. I am driven to share this perpetual growth and learning journey with all who seek to walk the path of ecological stewardship.
When I immerse myself in the wonders of the Earth, it's as if I'm stepping into a grand symphony where every element of nature plays its unique melody. Each moment invites me to listen, to hear the chorus of voices surrounding me. Whether it's the enchanting song of a bird, trilling joyously as it dances among the branches, or the gentle percussion of raindrops, tapping out a soothing rhythm upon the Earth, each sound carries with it a message—a gift of insight and wisdom waiting to be received.
In each encounter with nature, whether through sight, sound, or sensation, there lies an opportunity to connect with the planet's living pulse—to feel its heartbeat echoing through the Earth beneath my feet and the air surrounding us. It's a reminder that I am not separate from nature but intricately woven into its tapestry of life.
I find enrichment on multiple levels by opening myself up to these whispers of nature. There's a personal enrichment as I deepen my connection to the natural world and all its inhabitants. And there's a spiritual enrichment as I tap into the vast reservoir of wisdom that flows through every leaf, every rock, and every creature on this planet.
In the end, it's a reminder that the most significant lessons often come not from books or classrooms but from the Earth itself—that by simply listening, observing, and opening ourselves up to the wonders of the world around me, I can find a richness and depth of understanding that is truly unparalleled.