Blooming through Trauma: How Gardening Can Nurture Resilience and Healing
/
Gardening can be a therapeutic activity for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it allows for a sense of control, relaxation, and connection with nature. Here are some specific areas that gardening can address for individuals with a history of trauma, along with assigned flowers and nourishing activities:
Resilience: The sunflower is a symbol of resilience and can be assigned to this area. To nourish resilience, one can engage in activities that help build strength and perseverance, such as setting small goals and working towards them, practising self-care, and seeking out supportive relationships.
Withstanding abandonment: The forget-me-not is a symbol of love and remembrance, and can be assigned to this area. To nourish a sense of connection and stability, one can engage in activities that promote self-love and connection to others, such as journaling, practising gratitude, and reaching out to supportive friends or family members.
Tackling judgment and criticism: The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and can be assigned to this area. To nourish self-esteem and reduce negative self-talk, one can engage in activities that promote self-compassion, such as practising positive affirmations, mindfulness, and self-reflection.
Social activities: The daisy is a symbol of friendship and can be assigned to this area. To nourish social connection, one can engage in activities that promote socialisation, such as joining a gardening club, attending community events, and reaching out to friends or family members to spend time together.
To help bloom these flowers, one can engage in a variety of nourishing activities. These may include:
Planting and caring for the assigned flowers in a garden or container, providing regular water and sunlight.
Keeping a journal to track progress and growth in each of the assigned areas.
Practising mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to stay present and grounded while working in the garden. Please visit our album on Mindfulness exercise - this is available on www.livingmind.co.uk
Seeking support from a mental health professional or support group to work through trauma-related issues.
Engaging in self-care activities, such as taking breaks when feeling overwhelmed, getting enough sleep and exercise, and eating a balanced diet.
Overall, this gardening exercise can be a valuable tool for individuals who have experienced trauma, and can help address a range of areas related to resilience, abandonment, judgement, and social connection. Whether planting and caring for flowers in a garden or drawing a garden and flowers in a notebook, this exercise can provide a therapeutic outlet and an opportunity for growth and healing.