Contained Joy

I looked across the table of perfectly cut pieces of plants and moss intermingled amongst pebbles and sticks, water and soil to find a tear rolling down a beautiful blushed face. It was only just over an hour that I met this lady, the only one to turn up to my terrarium classes. This was not just about making a terrarium it was about discovering joy. The terrarium was the powerful tool and representation of what was shared in the morning.

“Are you ok?” I whispered. “Normally these classes are a joyous occasion. Your terrarium is so beautiful too.”

“No, I’m happy, I cant explain” she cautiously responded.

“Well today is your lucky day, as no one else has turned up just so you can be at ease and share what’s on your heart.”

“I haven’t been out for a very long time.” She could barely look at me.

“Why is that? You have a sweet spirit.”

“I may as well share seeing the fact we have finished early.” We both chuckled as the classes are geared towards answering questions on joy and happiness and very much dependent on group participation.

“You see, I find it hard to get out of the home! I get panic attacks just going to the letterbox.”

“Wow and you managed to come here! I’m so proud of you!”

“Yeah things got bad about two years ago and it was easier to just not see people.”

“I’m soo sorry, shutting people off though would make things all bottled up, that sounds painful.”

“Yeah I didn’t know who was happier seeing me come today me, my hubby or son. I think my son has been finding it hard trying to get me out of bed in the morning, like he’s my mother.”

Not being able to get up out of bed I knew too well. The subtitle for my book: ‘Ferocious For Joy’ was: ‘Win the battle of Depression through fighting it with Joy.’ This was a personal story of me coming out of depression and finding joy in myself.

“Isn’t it amazing how being around nature and creating something living can bring joy.” Sometimes focusing on what brings us joy is more helpful than discussing our problems. I hoped she didn’t mind my diversion as what you focus on grows!

“I’ve always loved plants” she smiled. “Do you mind if I make some more, one for my son and the other my mother-in-law?”

“Sure that’s fine, joy is contagious in the nicest of ways and a gift sounds like a great idea.”

A few people have asked me why do I connect making terrariums with my book ‘Ferocious For Joy?’ You are going to get a longer answer than how I verbally respond as that is the beauty of reading. I hope you can visualise the reason I chose the humble terrarium (a plant in a glass) to share joy.

The glass container - represents our body, we all have different shapes!

The pebbles at the bottom - represent our values and beliefs, the foundation of who we are are dependent on these.

The sphagnum moss - is our filtration system for preserving and growing. These are the thoughts and words we hold onto that we feed ourselves with.

The plants - represent our unique gifts and talents and where our thoughts become things.

The moss - is our special breath of wonder. Moss takes a long time to grow, it gives oxygen and the green in moss brings out the biggest grin! Moss is also quite rare and needs to be cherished.

Decorative pebbles and miniatures - represent our visible values and loves.

The terrarium is living, it needs to be looked after and gives joy every time you see it.

That day my new friend went away with more than three terrariums. As I am writing this very story that happened four years ago I am aware I need to prepare for three friends this evening. That lovely lady, her hubby and son are coming over for home made pizzas a game of cards and an exchange of plants.

The little cup of terrarium that brought someone out of their home has grown into numerous new friendships and joyous moments.

Are all my friend’s troubles gone? Is life now a breeze? Is she out of depression and now living life to the full? I would love to say yes but this story is still in process. The difference is now she is connected to people that care and is no longer alone.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could just snip off with a pair of Fiskars all the negative situations and people that weigh us down and suck out life. Unfortunately life is not cut out that way. We can only pull out weeds, don’t feed the hurts but look after the relationships and things that bring us joy!