Ayisha Qureshi

When we moved into our apartment, I felt a new low. We were at the second floor, where the windows were large but the only direct communication with the outside was a 4 x 8 feet balcony. Home from work for a few months, I finally decided to work on the balcony garden. Best decision ever!!!

I started some plants from scratch. I got the soil mixed with the fertilizer, bought small empty pots and young plants in plastic bags. I also bought a pair of pink working gloves. I would light up a mosquito repellent under my chair and sit in the evenings, wear my pink gloves and go to work on it. Those are the only times when I remember not thinking actively or passively. I mean my mind was so focused on what I was doing with my hands that it just cleared out. As I would take a break, lean back and look up at the sky, my brain would snap back but it would be calmer and quieter. For me it was the best form of meditation. And then the universe rewarded me: the plants took root and started growing. Oh, what lovely leaves, and shoots and branches. Every day was as if I was healing a little. And imagine I hadn’t even planted flowers- what pleasure if I had.

I went a step ahead and put up hanging baskets, again with evergreens. And finally came the birdfeeders- home made and filled to the brim with seeds. Now I spend my afternoons sitting inside, watching through the window as the birds chirp away, eating from the birdfeeders. And I spend my evenings working with the soil and the plant. No wonder I look forward to these few minutes every morning. Creativity and nature at its best.