6ers, gardening has long been viewed as a way to connect with nature. But for others like Sean, the benefits and rewards are more than that. As a PTSD survivor, Sean believes caring for plants gave him purpose and a sense of responsibility. It also taught one of the key skills cultivated through horticulture: tactical patience.
Sean Fowler is a US Army veteran, program analyst (policy) at the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA), home plant content creator/influencer on Instagram, and advocate for home plants/gardening as a treatment for PTSD. He is passionate about treating PTSD using house plants after sustaining a chronic injury in an explosion in Iraq.
You will learn how Sean gained a sense of responsibility that was missing in his life through gardening. By being fully engaged tending to his garden, he learned the importance of being intentional with his actions and taking ownership of his life. Fostering deeper connections with our environment and to the people around us teaches us that we can rely on the support and feedback of others.
In a world that often feels disconnected, gardening offers a reminder that we can all be part of something greater. Veterans don’t need to be islands and don’t need to struggle with the challenges of transition and reintegration. By finding activities that can bring you joy and sense of purpose, you can begin to heal and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.
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Resources mentioned:
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- 00:58 - Exploring the practice of horticulture as a metaphor for a better life
- 02:05 - Sean’s discovery of a meaningful sense of responsibility through caring for plants
- 04:30 - The value of tactical patience in understanding your environment
- 06:26 - The importance of humility and listening to the observations of those who care about you
- 08:39 - The benefits of pursuing a hobby you’re passionate about
- 9:19 - Drawing parallels between the breadth of human experience and gardening
- 11:05 - Finding inspiration from others for content creation and adding a unique spin
- 15:07 - How meditation became a big part of his healing journey
- 16:59 - Sean’s personal struggle with maintaining integrity and accountability
- 19:14 - Integrity also means the overall workability of your life
- 20:16 - Veterans don’t need to have to suffer alone
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