The solution is often as simple as gardening more

Politics love it when we, the people, are scared, confused, and angry.  And if we are all three, directed at Politics, so much the better.  Because when we direct this energy towards them, we aren't using it to do things that really scare them.

Like gardening.

today's news reminded me of how important gardening is for getting through tough times.

First on the agenda... is to remain sane amidst the whirling storm of panic-inducing news. Get outdoors as much as possible. Moving around in fresh air is a morale-boosting tonic to mind and body.

..., it seems certain that financial challenges lie ahead. We can help ourselves and others by growing as much of our own food as possible. Lucky are we who have open garden spaces of our own, or access to a community garden plot. But much can be grown in containers too.

When I lived in the concrete jungle, I rented an allotment.   Others rented space in friends yards.  And now, I hear there are 500 more allotments going to be available near downtown this year.  It feels like the opertunities for those without land who want to grow food are increasing all the time here.

Many vegetables and herbs can be grown in pots. Leafy greens are popular because space-saving varieties are readily available and they are at their best when freshly harvested. And in containers and open garden plots, don’t forget flowers. Our spirits need feeding too.

If staying sane is “top of mind” in stressful times, staying together is another essential. Home gardeners have many ways of sharing. We can share seeds, plants, and produce, as well as helpful advice and hands-on mentoring for novice gardeners.

It was a nice reminder that it's time to get my seeds started.

yes, an excellent reminder!
I think one thing we all share in common here at permies, in spite of different political views, is a love of simple, natural processes and that's an all around win for everyone.

My turnips popped up overnight with the rain they'd been waiting for 💜


"Stay close to nature,
and to your own creaturely instincts.
It's a cold, hard winter out there,
but underneath the ice and snow,
nature is preparing for an uprising.
There's underground work to be done
for and with your family and friends,
your community, your country,
your soul."

~Parker Palmer
(1939-Pres., Senior associate
of the American Association
of Higher Education,
senior advisor to the Fetzer Institute,
founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal)

and "scary things like gardening",  as mentioned in the OP, reminds me of that Bill Mollison quote

"I teach self-reliance, the world's most subversive practice. I teach people how to grow their own food, which is shockingly subversive. So, yes, it’s seditious. But it’s peaceful sedition."

When my husband starts barking at the newspaper and all the doom and gloom they like to spread, I tell him "I'm planting my potatoes! **"; resiliance in uncertain times, insurance against inflation, or just so much nicer when you've grown them fresh.


**Other roots and crops also work!

And when it's too bloody wet to garden (like yesterday), find something that needs repairing. This is another big way that people got through tough times in the past.

I didn't actually have something to repair yesterday, but I've been sewing a new pair of pants and was down to just hand-hemming the pant legs. I get great satisfaction knowing my new pants fit my body shape, are comfortable, and will last me a looooong time. No crappy "fast fashion" for me. Now I'm looking forward to wearing them, just like I'm looking forward to my seeds germinating.

 I've been indulging in community.
Within my own immediate family I have more places to plant things than I can easily get to.
Despite this I dropped a bunch of money on plots at my bike co-ops community garden.

Gardening in community is just different.
I expect to hargest a lot of dent corn, but I'm already getting spoons from my interactions.