It’s been almost seven years since I purchased this hilltop, tree hugged home. When I first saw it listed on the MLS I was more interested in the interior details of the home. Then the seller’s realtor actually warned me and my realtor (it was really more of an apology) about the very steep grade of the driveway. This only served to peak my interest.
Upon driving up the steep curvy hill the first time I was like a kid riding a roller coaster. Cooool! I exclaimed. At the top of the drive I gasped at the beauty and splendor of nature as if it were located in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. It was love at first sight. While waiting to close on the vacant house, unbeknownst to others, I would drive up the hill and sit in the backyard next to a pecan tree, bonding with the property and house…dreaming of the future.
It mattered not to me that there were steep slopes instead of perfectly groomed grass. I’d crossed the ‘yard of the month’ award off my to-do list a decade earlier. My thoughts were of relief that the property looked as if it maintained itself. Finding an easy, low maintenance yard was on my list for the perfect house.
It took about six months for that illusion to morph into the reality that I lived in the land of pine straw… to the tune of 130-200 bales per year. They were necessary not only to maintain the beautiful natural appearance, but also to keep the landscape from eroding. Thus began the creation of my new title: the Pine Straw Queen. And, because of the enormity of the task, I took an outward stance of resentment and at times was even a martyr. No one else could do it right… I had to do be the one to do it.
Well, I’m here to proclaim: I shall whine no more! Last Saturday, I facilitated a small group teaching my favorite holistic self-care methods. While speaking about different ways to meditate, one attendee new to spirituality shared he had an aha moment in realizing that when he went out on his motorcycle for a ride, he was actually meditating.
Indeed there are many ways to get clear and connected which could be classified as meditation. We all have them. Upon returning from these typically solo nature outings or escapes from the drudgery of life, we are grounded, have the answer we are seeking, or just simply feel better. They are sacred reflective times that are necessary for our soul. Some people go hiking or fishing, while others garden or ride a horse.
As for me….I lay pine straw.
Today, when I noticed there was a break in the rain and thought… well, I could probably get back out there and lay another few bales, I couldn’t help but notice I actually preferred to lay pine straw more than anything else on my list. All these years and I’m just allowing in this sacred realization that each and every April, my soul longs to get back outside and do this meditative ritual to get grounded and connected.
I love the menial process that allows me to stop being responsible, get out of my head, and just be with myself. I became aware that I typically don’t have any negative self-talk going on during this time. While it’s true, I might be seeking clarity around a particular issue, for the most part, my mind is still. And the big aha is realizing I need to give myself permission for more time like this in my life.
Ah yes, I can hear Master Po’s voice in my head from the ‘70’s Kung Fu show saying… Yes, Grasshopper…go lay pine straw.
