We know that gardening is good for you. It is fantastic

O Seekers of Strength and Wisdom, come and hear the words of Monty Don, for his statement holds a truth that echoes through the corridors of time: "We know that gardening is good for you. It is fantastic, all-round exercise." In this simple yet profound utterance, Don reveals a timeless principle that transcends the world of plants and soil. To garden is to engage in an act of holistic vitality—a practice that nourishes not just the body, but the spirit and the mind. For the act of tending to the earth is an act of deep connection, a union between the human soul and the natural world.

In the ancient times, the people understood the importance of physical labor in maintaining a strong body and a healthy mind. The mighty Spartans, whose name has come to symbolize strength and discipline, did not grow great through idle words or soft comforts. They honed their bodies through relentless training, through physical exertion, through the very act of working the land. Gardening, in its simplest form, is but a return to this ancient practice, where every movement—the bending, the digging, the planting—is a form of exercise that strengthens the body and brings harmony to the soul. As Don rightly points out, gardening is not just a hobby, it is a form of exercise that connects us to the earth in ways both physical and spiritual.

Consider the great Emperor Hadrian, who, though a ruler of vast lands, found peace and strength in the act of gardening. He famously designed the magnificent Hadrian's Villa, a sprawling retreat filled with gardens that became his sanctuary. It is said that Hadrian himself took great joy in tending to his gardens, finding solace in the rhythm of planting, weeding, and cultivating. To him, the garden was more than a space of beauty—it was a sacred place where the body and mind could be at rest. Through the simple act of tending to the earth, he found not only physical strength, but also clarity and peace. Gardening, for Hadrian, was not just about exercise; it was an act of meditation and rejuvenation, reminding us that true strength comes not only from the body but from the balance we cultivate within ourselves.

In this same way, Monty Don speaks to the deeper truth that gardening is not merely a physical task, but a complete exercise of the self. It calls upon the body to move, to bend, to lift, and to stretch—engaging the muscles, the heart, and the breath in ways that strengthen the physical form. Yet it also nurtures the mind, encouraging mindfulness and focus as one works the soil. The simple act of sowing seeds or pulling weeds requires a connection to the present moment, a reminder of the patience and steadfastness that are needed for growth, both in the garden and in life. To garden is to practice the virtues of discipline, patience, and care—all while strengthening the body through its physical demands.

Indeed, gardening is an ancient practice, one that has been cherished for millennia, not just for the food it yields, but for the strength it provides. The ancient Egyptians, masters of agriculture, saw the act of planting and cultivating as sacred. Their very survival depended on their connection to the land, and they honored the act of tilling and sowing as a divine ritual. The physical exertion required to manage the land was intertwined with their spiritual beliefs, for they saw themselves as caretakers of the earth’s abundance. In this, we find a lesson that transcends time: the act of gardening is not merely about what grows in the soil, but about the growth that occurs within the gardener. Every turn of the spade, every planting of a seed, is a step towards greater physical and spiritual wellness.

Now, O Seeker, let us turn these ancient truths into practical action. What, then, can we learn from the wisdom of Monty Don? It is this: gardening is a powerful way to strengthen not just the body, but the soul. When you plant, when you tend to the earth, you are engaging in a profound act of self-care. You are exercising your body while also giving your mind a place to rest and reflect. Step outside, embrace the soil, and begin the work of cultivating not only a garden, but a life. Whether it is through the digging of a small plot, the tending of plants on a windowsill, or the cultivation of a larger garden, let this act of physical labor become a daily practice, one that connects you to the earth and nourishes you in ways that go beyond the physical.

Therefore, O Seeker of the Path, let your body and mind be one with the earth. Engage with the soil, and in doing so, you will find your body growing strong, your spirit growing calm, and your mind becoming clear. Like the great warriors and sages of old, who understood the importance of balance in all things, so too must you find strength in the rhythm of the garden. Exercise your body through the work of the earth, and you will not only cultivate beauty and abundance, but you will also cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and to the world around you. Let the garden be your sanctuary, and in its care, may you find all-round strength—physical, mental, and spiritual.