Soul Gardening: Cultivating the Good Life

by Terry Hershey

This book is about what it means to be a soul gardener. Reading it is not unlike walking in a garden-where it feels good to be alive, where we sit for a while and talk about what we learn there-which allows us to be more fully human. Terry Hershey recounts experiences from his own life, using the metaphor of gardening to speak to our longing for spiritual growth, a healthy lifestyle, and a more centered life. Enriched by Bible quotations and spiritual classics, his stories will lead you to new insights into the kind of life the Creator intends for us. The soul gardening exercises will lead you to your own experiences of the wonder and beauty of daily life. Soul Gardening will not make you a gardener. But it will nurture your soul, teach you how to live, and renew your sense of what it means to live the good life. It is about appreciating the ordinary gifts of grace, the value of solitude, the art of listening and the healing power of nature. Finding the balance between loving and losing, creating a sane lifestyle, being fully awake and alive and the value of slowing down the gift of seeing God's world with new eyes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening, Christianity, Spirituality

168 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Michael Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Terry Hershey is a garden-walk for the soul. I found it encouraging as well as compelling as it caused me to considered how much clutter I've allowed in my own life. If you're looking for a book that will speak to your heart - this one is it.

Michael Duncan, author of: Shadows: Book of Aleth, Part One

[Hologram Ninethousand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Various anecdotes, quotes, and observations with the goal of inspiring one to appreciate small gifts in nature. “Because gardening is not just about digging. Or planting for that matter. Gardening is about cherishing. And to cherish, one must be present.”

“Cultivate appreciation for the ordinary gifts of grace, the value of solitude, the art of listening, and the healing power of nature.”

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much I didn't want the book to end, but only a gardener would appreciate this comment! Actually the book was more about understanding and knowing our core being from a former pastor and passionate gardener who splendedly wove the two together. Will look for more of his literary works and would love to visit his garden.

[Lindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of reminders that gardening, like anything, is a journey not a destination. Hershey tells anecdotes about his own gardens and ones he's seen, and encourages the reader/gardener to slow down and enjoy the journey.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful book about nature and gardening

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book as a metaphor for our emotions and inner world and the work we need to do to maintain, sculpt and grow it.