A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul

by Gunilla Norris

This lyrical primer on the spirituality of gardening reflects on the relationship between a gardener and his or her garden. Meditating upon how interaction with the earth opens the heart, schools the mind, engages the body, and embraces the soul in a world of increasing detachment from the natural realm, this book affirms a garden as a soulful space where people can take root and experience the changing seasons and the enduring cycle of renewal. Filled with the joy of living, this enchanting spiritual guide will speak to those who yearn to find the holy in the place they call home.

Genres: Spirituality, Gardening

112 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful reflection through the seasons, following Gunilla's reflections, prayers, and poetry as she is deeply rooted in the earth. A true mystic, she led me on a wonderful journey of reconnection to the soul and earth.

[Charlotte Toyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet guide and reminder that many seasons of life call us to just "be"

[David Booram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything Gunilla writes is a gift.

[Jackie Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've intentionally read this book very slowly and seasonally. Loved it, not only because I feel a connection to the author because Mystic, CT is part of my home town, but also because of our shared connection to the earth. I like that it ends with Autumn, because I can now send it to my Mom for her Birthday, with the hope that she too with find much meaning in its small volume. I also hold the hope of seeing and reading it again when I visit. God Willing...
"Spring is an ache. Buds swell on their branches... there is a breaking out of one state into another... we are both the ones giving birth and the birthed. We are incredibly vulnerable, beautiful, dependent, dynamic, needy, and bursting at the seems." p. 25 May 12, 2012


"If we have no place, we are rootless... The greatest longing is to leaf out, to become what we have been given to be" (48). May 22-23 2012
"Acceptance of yourself as you are and others as they are is the true potting soil. All growth starts there" (49).

"The beds seem barren. But I know lying fallow is different from doing nothing... ceasing of doing... is a kind of doing as well ... dynamic nakedness ... a radical placement of trust ... remain open to the mystery that made us... It requires emptiness ... It requires everything" (94).

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norris invites readers to reflect upon creating gardens of meaning out of our lives and the ground we work. Recommended for individuals exploring gardening as a spiritual practice and for spiritual writing groups.

[Daphne Eck · Rating 4 out of 5]

jara and nika gave this to me. loved it!

[Gianetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It's beautifully presented and its poetic language is flowery, but not ostentatious. I have several dogeared pages and notes gracing the margins.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. it was a library book so didn't have time to savour it the way i wanted to. i will buy this book so i can read it again and savour it the way it needs to be savoured.