Orwell's Roses
Peace, creativity and connection
Photo by Morgane Le Breton on Unsplash
“You might prepare for your central mission in life by doing other things that may seem entirely unrelated.”
Rebecca Solnit1
Nearing the end of his life, George Orwell concentrated on writing 1984.
When he wasn’t writing, he devoted a great deal of time, energy, imagination, and resources to creating a garden where he was staying on a remote Scottish island.
How important was tending to a garden while creating a novel with such a darkly profound message, one that speaks to us even today?
Orwell wrote in his journal, that he wanted to stay connected to life and creativity, even as he explored the dark themes of 1984. The garden was one way to do that.
Even in the midst of hectic days, processes to optimize, and business to be done, there are opportunities for moments of creativity and connection.
Opportunities to savor the moments we have even to the last.
🌀 What is your garden amid the busyness or business of life?
🌀 How do Orwell’s ‘work’ and gardening relate to the Ikigai Journey?
1
One of my favorite essays of his concerns a couple of scraggly rose bushes he bought at a dime store or something and planted at his cottage that over the years grew beautifully and climbed all over the walls.
From small actions grow great things…