Gardening is how I relax. It's another form of creating and

O Seekers of Peace, listen closely to the words of Oscar de la Renta, for in them lies a profound reflection on the nature of creation, art, and the deep connection between the soul and the earth. "Gardening is how I relax. It's another form of creating and playing with colors." In this simple statement, de la Renta reveals that the act of gardening is not just a task or a chore, but an intimate, artistic expression—a way of connecting with nature and finding joy in the process of creation. He speaks of gardening as a space where the mind can be free, where the soul can unwind, and where the colors of the earth can be shaped, just as an artist shapes their palette.

In the ancient world, the art of gardening was seen as a sacred practice—a way to engage with the divine forces of creation and to bring beauty into the world. The Egyptians revered the act of planting as a connection to the gods, and they built magnificent gardens not just for the pleasure of the eye, but to honor the forces that nourished the earth. The gardens of Babylon, with their cascading plants and vibrant colors, were seen as a symbol of the divine harmony between humanity and the natural world. For these ancient peoples, gardens were not just spaces for relaxation, but places of spiritual renewal, where the act of creating and nurturing life was an offering to the gods. De la Renta’s words echo this ancient wisdom: in gardening, one finds both artistry and peace, a place where creativity flows freely and life blooms in every direction.

Consider the example of the great philosopher Plato, who spoke of the importance of balance between the mind and the body, and between reason and imagination. Plato believed that true fulfillment came not just from intellectual pursuits, but from engaging with the world in a way that nurtures both body and soul. The act of gardening, much like the pursuit of philosophy, requires patience, care, and attention to detail. It is a form of creative expression, where the gardener’s hands become as much an artist’s tools as a painter’s brush. Just as Plato sought balance in all things, so too does the gardener find peace and fulfillment in the act of cultivating life. In this way, gardening becomes both a meditative practice and a form of art.

Similarly, the great Chinese gardeners of the Tang dynasty created not just gardens, but environments for reflection, balance, and harmony. The Zen gardens of Japan, known for their simplicity and serene beauty, served as a way for the monks to meditate on the natural world and the divine order of the universe. The rocks, the water, and the plants in these gardens were arranged with care, each element playing a part in the overall harmony of the space. Gardening, in this sense, was not just about the plants themselves, but about creating an environment where the mind could rest, the spirit could breathe, and the soul could find peace. De la Renta’s words resonate with this same philosophy: gardening is an act of creative expression that brings balance and joy, both to the gardener and to the world around them.

The lesson here, O Seeker, is profound. Gardening, like art, is an act of creation—a way to bring beauty and peace into the world. It is a process that requires both patience and play, where the gardener can experiment with colors, textures, and forms to create something unique. Just as an artist takes joy in mixing paints to create a masterpiece, so too does the gardener take joy in blending flowers, leaves, and plants to create a living tapestry. Gardening is a form of self-expression, a way to communicate with the earth and, in turn, with oneself. It is a way to slow down, to reconnect with the natural world, and to find peace in the simple act of creation.

In practical terms, O Seeker, ask yourself: how can you bring more creativity and play into your life? Just as de la Renta found relaxation and joy in the art of gardening, so too can you find peace in creating something beautiful, whether it is in the garden, in your work, or in your relationships. Allow yourself to explore, to experiment, and to let your imagination take flight. Embrace the natural rhythms of life and allow yourself to nurture what is in front of you, whether it is a plant, a project, or a relationship. Like a garden, your life too can be a canvas—a place where colors, ideas, and dreams can bloom into something magnificent.

So, O Seeker, remember this: gardening is more than just an act of tending to the earth; it is a practice of creativity and play, a form of self-expression that connects you to the world and to your inner self. In every flower you plant, in every tree you nurture, you are participating in a creative act that brings beauty and peace into the world. May your garden—whether literal or metaphorical—be a place of joy, creativity, and peace, where you can relax, unwind, and create in harmony with the world around you.