As the world turns increasingly more digitalised and urbanised, the value of soil and its healing powers are being overlooked. It’s time, however, to change that narrative and reconnect with nature to feel what lies beneath our feet. Dr Sanjana Seth, Dr Denise Rodrigues and Anindita Chakrabarty, are determined to restore the all-important bond between humanity and earth.
At a two-and-half-hour workshop, Soil to Soul – Mental Health Through Gardening, at Carpe Diem, Majorda, on January 19, they will delve into the profound mental and physical benefits of gardening while introducing participants to the joys of nurturing life from the soil up.
KEY TO EMOTIONAL HEALING
According to them, gardening has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve focus and provide a sense of accomplishment. The act of caring for plants fosters patience and mindfulness, while the connection with soil and greenery has a grounding effect, promoting a sense of well-being.
Speaking to Gomantak Times Digital, Anindita recounted how she reconnected with nature to pursue her passion for nature and wildlife. “The more I learned about the environment, the more I realised how fascinating the natural world around us really is."
However, she rues, "We have started taking our natural environment for granted. It’s not just about ‘a few trees are being cut down’ or just ‘a few birds are being displaced' anymore.”
We have started taking our natural environment for granted. It’s not just about ‘a few trees are being cut down’ or just ‘a few birds are being displaced' anymore
Anindita Chakrabarty,
EDUCATION AMID ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS
"A devastating landslide in Kerala and the wildfire in LA may appear to be isolated events, but if we review them carefully, they are all due to rising temperatures, extreme weather events and the unpredictability of rains – all effects of climate change. Environmental education is the need of the hour," believes Anindita.
Dr Sanjana, a consultant psychologist at SMRC’s V M Salgaocar Hospital conducts assessments, diagnostics and interventions for individuals across all age groups. “The idea is to keep children meaningfully engaged. Gardening activity helps as it is a sensory experience used to help children break classroom monotony while soothing and calming them in the process,” says Sanjana.
HOLISTIC HEALING
Sanjana's passion for mental health extends beyond the clinic as she is deeply involved in community outreach, destigmatising mental illnesses, and promoting well-being through workshops and awareness sessions.
Denise, a homoeopath, focussed on holistic wellness, emphasises the emotional challenge of addressing past traumas during her consultations. To support her patients' emotional processing, she suggests grounding activities like beach walks, walking barefoot on grass, or simply sitting amidst blooming flowers while practicing mindful breathing for calm and emotional regulation.
Dr Sanjana's passion for mental health extends beyond the clinic as she is deeply involved in community outreach, destigmatising mental illnesses, and promoting well-being through workshops and awareness sessions.
MORE THAN GARDENING
Apart from a few beautifully curated activities, the workshop will focus on the overall well being achieved through gardening therapy as a whole. Through this workshop, the aim is to convey how nature and a little garden that each one can create will have a profound impact on mental, emotional and physical well-being.
The workshop, Soil to Soul, is designed to offer more than just a gardening lesson. It’s an experience of mindfulness, relaxation and discovery.
THE BENEFITS
At the workshop participants can expect to learn the basics of gardening, experience gardening therapy, take home a potted plant, reconnect with nature, discover a fun, relaxing hobby and practice mindfulness to embrace the calming rhythm of nature to ease the mind.
LEAVE INSPIRED
Participants will leave not just with a potted plant but also with the knowledge, inspiration and tools to continue this journey of mindfulness and growth in their everyday lives. It’s time to get your hands dirty and let nature nurture your soul.
WHAT: Soil to Soul – Mental Health Through Gardening
WHERE: Carpe Diem, Majorda
WHEN: January 19, 2025 (Sunday)
TIME: 10.30 am to 1 pm
