SYMBIOTIC EXISTENCE WITH NATURE

SYMBIOTIC EXISTENCE WITH NATURE

Generally, when we talk of gardens we have in mind, colorful blooms and flowers of all kinds perfectly planted on the right locations. But that is not so. Even in the Garden of Eden at Paradise, there was no mention of flowers. In Genesis Chapter II, verses 8 and 9 this is written: “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He have formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food: the tree of life is also in the midst of the garden and the tree of knowledge of good and evil”. We also know that only olive trees surrounded the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before He was crucified.

-products that the plants exude out are needed by man to survive. This is the principle of symbiotic existence, a simple give and take. And that is supposedly the simplest thing we could do to keep healthy, yet it is the thing that is easily neglected nowadays.

Our environment is now greatly polluted and we are gradually being poisoned. You will notice that there are so many people being afflicted with so many ailments and people are dying left and right even at very young age.

The reason is because of the pollutants emitted by the trash and the garbage that surround us. We have them in our kitchen, at our backyard and at every corner of the community.

Not only that, even our spiritual life is also polluted. Indecencies and immoralities are so common in all institutions and at all ages that generally people already forget the meaning of a good life. That is why we need a Meditation Corner where we could be by ourselves alone. Where we could do introspection or self-analysis, where we could just relax and listen to the voice of God through the sound of nature. You will be surprised how enlightening and refreshing this could be.

There is also such a thing as Mental and Emotional Pollution, like when our mind is already crowded that we already forget to think correctly. When we suppress a thought, an idea or a feeling, they try to find an outlet in our physical body. If they find the head it results to what we call Migraine headache; if they find the heart it results to Angina Pectoris or chest pain; if they finds the stomach it could result to hyper acidity, gas pain or even peptic ulcer; if they find the uterus it could result to painful menstruation; if they find the lungs it could result to hyperventilation syndrome or asthma; if they find the sex organs it could result to frigidity in female or impotency in male; they may also find the joints and results to rheumatism or arthritis.

This is precisely the reason for the Scream out Area. So that what you cannot personally say to a person concerned you may just scream it out by imagining that the person is there present. The Scream out Area is an outlet for all your negative vibrations whether it is physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual. But if there is a person to whom you can express all your feelings, your problems, your fears and whatever with full trust, you need not scream at all.

Don’t be confused if while strolling you encounter recycled objects displayed at different parts of the garden: such as used plastic containers converted into flower pots, a rusting iron swing covered by vines or curtains made of discarded credit cards, phone cards, etc. There are also hanging and half-buried tires planted with orchids, ferns and other varied vines. Tolerate the many ‘throwables’ made “keepables“.

In every garden there are wild lives like snakes, lizards and some other small animals. They sometimes tend to disturb the serenity of a garden but if you set aside a particular place for them and if you feed them and if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. There is a Wild Life Area where I throw the biodegradable for the wild animals to eat.

The Counseling Corner is another important feature of the Garden. It is here where I entertain people who seek my counsels whether young or old who can find peace of mind by talking to me freely. This place is also where I sometimes socialize with my friends, where we sometimes do no-holds-barred and other informal gatherings. Hanging used electric bulbs may perplex a visitor but they signify 101 dormant ideas that could be discussed in that corner – electric bulb being a symbol of idea.

Part of the garden is the Hut for Amicable Settlement where opposing parties could discuss openly their problems. It is a screened hut, which we also use to rest during hot days and where my grand children and their playmates enjoy with their toys. Not far from here is the Terrace of Merriment, the main reception area. It can accommodate up to thirty persons for simple socialization, for small meeting or come-what-may gatherings. A stone’s throw from it is the family’s extension guest room ready to accommodate those who wish to stay overnight. Across the Terrace of Merriment is the Balcony of Reconciliation for quarrelling lovers to patch up their misunderstandings. Under it is a cozy corner for those who enjoy and are at home with the street and neighborhood noises. Strollers mustn’t miss the artificial Mini Wishing Well and the Crude Fortune Gong, which many claimed have given them good fortune and successes in their ventures.

A simple party for fifty could also be held at the open area between the Terrace of Merriment and the Balcony of Reconciliation. And since the Mini Forest is not child friendly, only children assisted by adults are allowed to play. Everyone is cautioned to beware of the falling coconut palms and fruits. One may chance to see a circular area surrounded by rugged stones and planted to a Cypress tree at the center. It is the garden owner’s gravesite where he wished his ashes should be scattered when he is cremated after death. That way he will always be physically a part of the garden while his soul returns to the Garden of God.