I sometimes struggle with the concept of fairness.
I desperately want life to be fair; that being a good person and working hard means that you will prosper and be happy. But the reality is that life isn't fair. Goodness is its own reward and bad things often happen to good people.
When life deals a person a serious blow what, if any, role can a garden play in the process of healing?
This "healing" might be a simple matter of getting through tough times without lingering sorrow or bitterness, finding and giving forgiveness, or discovering the inner strength and courage to do battle with a serious disease like cancer.
Today I want to share with you a unique garden in Ancaster, Ontario. In partnership with the Bob Kemp Hospice for Palliative Care, the Wesley Urban Ministries and the Aboriginal Health Centre, the Bethesda United Church has a very special "Healing Garden".
Open to "all people of any faith or no faith"* this garden is a unique outdoor space that is intended to promote wellness in the mind, the body and the spirit.
The garden is comprised of three spaces that are "meant to be a place of reflection, healing and
guidance."
* Author's note: all the quotes in this post come from the Bethesda United Church website.
The Wooded Nook is a "place to reflect, to dwell prayerfully and to hopefully reset our problems into perspective".
The tree in the picture above feels almost like a big old hug doesn't it?
The Healing Garden addresses the healing properties of plants in relationship to the body.
It is intended to be "a place to encounter creation in nature's most beautiful forms".
Finally, a walk into the centre of grass Labyrinth is intended to be a symbolic seeking spiritual direction.
The Labyrinth is meant to be a "place for meditating, healing and praying".
Throughout this garden, there are subtle reminders that some good can often
come from tragedy and death.
There are also many gentle reminders that in its finest moments, life can be truly beautiful.
More Information & Links:
Bethesda United Church recently celebrated its 187th birthday. It is located at:
584 Garner Rd West
Ancaster, Ontario
Phone: (905) 902-0337
Email:bethesdauc@sourceable.net
website: Bethesda United Church
