Dig this… my dirty obsession.
An obscure obsession is an idea coined by my colleagues and friends at True North years ago. I define it as the rabbit hole of a passion that captures your curiosity and continues to nudge you until it becomes the latest thing of conversations, your search history, and your heart and mind. You think on it.
Dirt, soil... The goodness of the earth. Where life comes from, literally and/or figuratively, ask a gardener, or a potter, or a believer of the Genesis creation story… where the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Dirt gives life… scientifically, poetically, and supernaturally. Research shows that mycobacterium vaccae, the most well-studied soil bacteria, triggers a serotonin release, creating a sense of well-being and reduced anxiety. My friend Nickole says “God gives us a hug when we play in the dirt.”
I have heard that grounding, walking barefoot outside, may reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and enhance overall health by balancing the body's electrical charge. Woo-woo? or wa-hoo! Either way, us gardeners—we are happy people.
The guts got it too: gardeners actually have more beneficial microbes in their gut. Even clay, with its antibacterial properties, may fight off pathogens responsible for disease, and also help expel toxins and heavy metals.
The NIH reports that, in a Japanese study, viewing plants altered EEG (electroencephalogram) recordings and reduced stress, fear, anger, and sadness. Additionally, it lowered blood pressure, pulse rate, and muscle tension. That same EEG that is used to diagnose ALS, which continues to be an anomaly for me. A beautiful example of God's miracle and provision.
Big news and a big deal: I held a 58-second plank! I have days where all I can do is 12 seconds, and on other days where I am strong and surprise myself. Another surprise: Steve is Chicago-bound, and stepping outside his comfort zone leaving me to live this out solo. We have agreed I am stable enough to say home alone… 9 days, that is a big deal. Now that is a bit of a misnomer as I am not really alone, I am surrounded by neighbors and friends pitching in, lining up, driving me to and fro, and praying for me. It takes a village, and I am grateful for mine. All the encouragement, support, and love, thank you. 7 years in… counting my seconds and my strength. My strength comes from the joy of the lord. Nehemiah 8:10
Come on get happy… step outside today, meet a neighbor, say hello to one another, say hello to the sun and the soil. Step outside your comfort zone, get dirt under your nails, say hello to your obscure obsession—see what you might learn.
Learn more: Jesus uses mud to heal, to create and to bring new life.