I sold my mower last Saturday. Honestly, it was bittersweet. That simple transaction made my decision earlier this year to quit mowing the lawn… final.
Have you ever given up an activity that by most accounts isn’t considered fun, but you still miss doing it?
For me, it was mowing the lawn.
Mowing was a simple pleasure I had always enjoyed, even looked forward to. I was the kid who couldn’t wait for the day my dad finally allowed me to mow the yard. Crazy, I know.
As an alleged grownup, mowing became a weekly therapy session. Many of you will get that, while I imagine some will not.
Kind of like my neighbors who would always ask why I was still mowing my yard. They considered me and the few other holdouts on my street nuts for doing so.
But I like doing it!
Maybe it vibrates your body just enough to shake the head trash loose. Then you feel better.
You see, mowing is a mind clearing activity. When we perform an undertaking that engages that first level or two of concentration, it frees the mind to wander wherever it pleases.
This state allows the mind to relax and mindfully focus on the pursuit being undertaken, replacing other thoughts that may be occupying your mind.”
—Jennifer Smith, Life Coach and Freelance Blogger & Writer
Consider it a mental “reset” button.
An opportunity to straighten out some kinks in the old noggin.
An activity like mowing gives you an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of finishing something from start to finish. As simple as that sounds, we need to experience that feeling from time to time. If nothing else, it breaks up the grind.
As I said before, many times I actually looked forward to mowing.
I can’t count the times that new ideas or solutions to problems seemed to magically show up while weaving a new pattern of freshly mown strips.
Mowing also gave me the chance to check off one heart healthy exercise session for the week. Bonus.
Ironically though, it was the thought of working hard in the 90 degrees and 90% humidity of a Virginia summer that finally convinced me to quit. I decided mowing was stressing my wellbeing more than helping it.
So, as I said farewell to my old red friend, I remembered I had promised myself that I would replace my beloved mowing time with some other, less heat and humidity ridden pastime.
Boom! Now I know where the snugger fitting waistline entered the picture.
Oh, and maybe there are few more cobwebs up there?
Hmmm… what can I do now? Maybe I could buy it back?
Be untucked.
If you enjoyed the post, click here to subscribe. I’ll send you weekly reminders, so you won’t miss a post!
Copyright © 2019 Jeff Meister
Excellent topic. I
I gave up my self propelled mower for a riding lawn mower. Physically, so much better and less tiring, but I still get to mow!
Now that’s a plan! I’d never live it down if I tried that on our little postage stamp. But, you still get the therapeutic benefit with your approach. Nice!