Lest you think I have changed the focus of my blog (again!), let me assure you that this is not really a post about gardening! Though you may learn a few garden-y things along the way…
Most long-time gardeners have learned that a healthy garden requires regular nourishment of organic waste and microorganisms. Though synthetic fertilizers can boost quick growth, they do not support the long-term health & vitality of the soil. Healthy soil=healthy plants.
Compost is the ideal material for nourishing gardens; it combines recycling with the elements of earth, air, fire and water to create a product that is greater than the sum of its parts. Plants that have been nourished with compost are more resilient and resistant to disease and pests.
For those who are interested, here’s a link to my recipe for making compost for the garden.
How to be a happier person
For me, the process of becoming a happier person uses essentially the same steps for making compost.
I compost the difficult feelings that get triggered in my day-to-day life, resulting in a more nourished and healthy psyche that feels at peace in the world. I’ve spent a lot of the winter composting on both the inner (and the outer!) and now have some insight to share…
Let’s walk through the steps …
1. Provide a sturdy container. Any practice that allows you to welcome all your feelings, without judgement will create a safe container for this process. Anger, fear and sadness are equally as valid as joy and peace. EFT/tapping creates this container for me. Some people find meditation helpful, and there are many other modalities that work.
Talking to a friend or partner who can listen without judgement and without trying to fix your feelings is useful, but not essential.
2. Gather a variety of materials. All of your feelings are ripe for the compost heap. Particularly stubborn or difficult feelings from big trauma may require the help of a compassionate professional.
3. Add your materials to the pile. Time to tap or meditate!
4. Water as needed. Tears are usually necessary for full composting of feelings.
5. Poke a long stick all the way into the pile. Revisiting the conversation or event that may have triggered your feelings is a good way to see if you are clear & calm or if there is more to compost.
6. Wait. We need time to process & integrate. There is no need to rush the process.
7. Repeat the process. Composting is a process that never stops in nature. Becoming happier is a process, not a destination. I tap daily on any feelings that are stopping me from feeling happy & at peace.
8. Make sure to sprinkle a bit of finished compost in the new bin every so often. Wisdom gained from regular composting of your feelings will feed the process and make it easier to derive all the nourishment possible from the process.
Do you regularly compost your feelings?
How do you cultivate happiness?
What modalities work for you?
If you need some support as you set up your own feeling composting system, please contact me here.