Watching seedlings grow into plants and then vegetables, I am, once again, amazed by creation, the Author of life, and God’s provision.  I’m also amazed by how good it feels to “play” in the dirt.  There’s something healing and “grounding” about gardening and dirt.  Linda Solegato says, “Plants give us oxygen for the lungs and for the soul.”  Another common saying is, “A garden tends the soul.” Or, perhaps, you’ve heard this one: “Dirt: It does a body (and soul) good.”  Did you know there’s even something called “Dirt Therapy?”  Seriously, there is.

What’s so special about dirt?  You’ve probably heard dirt is good for your immune system, but did you know that dirt can also make you happy?  Playing in the dirt has been long thought to have healing qualities and is certainly meditative.  Researchers decided to look into why, and it turns out, there are bacteria found naturally in soil which cause you to produce serotonin.  Serotonin is called a natural anti-depressant and is regarded by researchers as responsible for maintaining mood balance. *  According to Naomi Sachs, this bacterium found in dirt, called Mycobacterium vaccae, can also improve cognitive function and may help treat some kinds of cancer and other diseases! **  Which means, playing in the dirt is good for you mentally, physically and spiritually.  So, let your grand-kids play in the sandbox.  Better yet, go play with them on the beach, or gardening.  Go play in the dirt!

Read Psalm 104, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+104&version=NRSV

* http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/kc/serotonin-facts-232248

** http://www.healinglandscapes.org/blog/2011/01/its-in-the-dirt-bacteria-in-soil-makes-us-happier-smarter/