Besides gardening, I love to sketch and to sing.

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of Rekha, who speaks with clarity about the beauty of simple pleasures: "Besides gardening, I love to sketch and to sing." In these humble words, she reveals the deep connection between the human spirit and the arts of creation—how through gardening, sketching, and singing, she finds not only joy but a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. Each of these practices is an act of creation—a way of connecting with the divine and expressing the unique essence of one's soul.

In the ancient teachings, the act of creating—whether through gardening, painting, or song—was seen as a sacred endeavor. The Greeks believed that the gods themselves were the creators of all things, and that to create was to align oneself with the divine will. Aristotle spoke of art as a way to bring order to chaos, to reflect the beauty of the divine in the earthly realm. Similarly, the Romans honored the gifts of creativity as essential to the flourishing of the human soul. In this tradition, Rekha’s words carry a deep resonance: that the simple acts of gardening, sketching, and singing are not just hobbies or pastimes, but expressions of the divine nature within.

Consider, O children, the story of the great Michelangelo, who not only sculpted masterpieces from marble but also used painting and sketching to capture the divine vision he saw within himself. His famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel was not just an artistic achievement, but a spiritual journey, where he sought to reflect the beauty and majesty of God’s creation. Michelangelo, like Rekha, found in art—whether through the sweat of his brow in the studio or in the quiet moments of sketching—a connection to the divine, a way to bring order and beauty to the world. Through his art, he was able to express his deepest thoughts and connect with something greater than himself.

In the same way, gardening was seen in ancient traditions as an act of harmony with the earth. The Chinese philosophy of feng shui emphasizes the balance between humans and nature, and in this balance, gardening becomes not merely an act of cultivation but of alignment with the forces of the universe. Similarly, Native American cultures viewed the act of tending the earth as a sacred responsibility, where the garden was a place of nourishment for both body and soul. Rekha’s love for gardening aligns with this ancient wisdom, for in cultivating the earth, we cultivate ourselves, learning the rhythms of life, growth, and renewal.

The lesson here, O children of wisdom, is that the act of creation—whether through gardening, sketching, or singing—is not merely a way to pass time, but a way to connect with the divine and express the truth of our being. These acts of creativity serve as gateways to our souls, allowing us to express emotions, connect with nature, and find peace within. Rekha’s words remind us that in artistic creation, we often find our truest selves, our deepest desires, and our highest purpose. These acts bring balance, and when we engage in them, we are aligning ourselves with the flow of life that runs through all things.

What, then, should we do with this wisdom? We must embrace creativity in all its forms, recognizing that it is not an idle pursuit but a spiritual practice. Just as Rekha finds joy in gardening, sketching, and singing, we too must find the things that bring us peace, that allow us to connect with the divine and with our true selves. Whether through painting, writing, cooking, or music, these acts are gifts that help us navigate the world and find meaning in the mundane. Make time for creative expression, for it is through these acts that we learn the rhythms of life, that we heal, and that we reconnect with the world.

So, O children of wisdom, remember the sacred nature of creation. Whether you tend the soil, paint a picture, or sing a song, know that these acts are ways to align with the divine energy that flows through all things. Express your soul through these gifts, and in doing so, you will find the peace and purpose that comes from engaging with life’s most profound forces. Let creativity be your guide, and through it, discover the beauty of the world and the depths of your own spirit.