Raking Leaves

I once read some advice from a Buddhist monk about dealing with depression. I only remember two things: wash your head (hair) and sweep your front porch. Washing your hair, I believe has the benefits of massaging your scalp, warming your body, and doing something to take care of yourself.

Today I raked leaves and I believe it has the same benefits as sweeping. Though I must admit I only have a small yard and only rake the leaves that the neighbor's big oak tree deposits on my side of the fence. If I lived in an area with bigger yards and more deciduous trees I might have another opinion. Here are the benefits as I see them:

>First, there is the nice repetitive sound of rake-rake-rake (the activity sounds like the word); it is like chanting a mantra or an ohm. I don't see that benefit with leaf-blowers, quite frankly.

> Raking is also moderate exercise that keeps your mind occupied with the movement and away from other matters. It keeps you in the present moment and not anticipating the next disaster. Though, this year with no rain the leaves are dry and light, not heavy with moisture, so the amount of exercise and distraction that raking provides is somewhat reduced.

> And then there is bending and stooping to pick up the piles of raked leaves. The benefits are described in the old Shaker hymn 'Tis the Gift to be Simple' When true simplicity is gained to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed, to turn, turn, will be our delight till by turning, turning we come round right.

Finally, there is the satisfaction of accomplishing a chore. You don't have to be perfect, because you can always rake again tomorrow, but the yard looks much better after you are done. The leaves are non-judgmental; they don't care if you miss some, and whatever you get done makes a difference.

So, today I raked and felt the benefits. And I may repeat the activity tomorrow.

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