Healing and "The Secret Garden"
Healing and "The Secret Garden"
A Dialogue Session in Santa Barbara
I read the book. I missed a lot. Sure, I caught the plot, but I missed a lot too. This is where dialogue comes in. A couple weeks ago I got to talk in depth about "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett with my friend Jungian Psychologist Melissa Jones Cantekin Ph.D in the lovely Santa Barbara.
Melissa chose "The Secret Garden" for a reason: it's a story about healing, a theme central to her work. Published in 1911, this classic children's novel explores the transformative power of nature, self-belief, and connection. Our discussion wasn't just about summarizing the plot; we peeled the layers back one by one and grappled with the underlying recommendations.
We began with a short kick off question: what do seeds have to do with healing? This opened the door to a rich dive into the novel's symbolism. The garden itself becomes a metaphor for growth and renewal, mirroring the emotional and physical journeys of the characters.
A Story in Two Parts Though?
One of the most intriguing aspects we ran into was the book's unexpected structure. It starts with a strong focus on Mary Lennox, a young girl orphaned and sent to live with her reclusive uncle. However, the story gradually shifts its attention to Colin, a sickly boy Mary befriends. This narrative choice sparked debate. Why did Burnett prioritize Colin in the latter half? A few days after our chat, Melissa offered a compelling Jungian perspective: the book portrays the healing of two sides of a whole, like yin and yang. Mary and Colin, though different sexes, represent a unified being on a path to wholeness.
A Character Frozen in Time
Another interesting point emerged: Dickon, the lively and nature-connected boy, remains unchanged throughout the story. Unlike Mary and Colin who evolve, Dickon serves as a constant, a grounding force. This peculiarity had us scratching our heads. Perhaps Dickon embodies a vital aspect of the human condition – the unwavering spirit of nature itself and finding common ground for human connection.
Ingredients for a Healing Journey
By dissecting the characters' experiences, we were able to identify Burnett's potential recipe for healing and growth. Nature takes center stage; the characters' connection to the outdoors sparks their physical and emotional transformation. Movement is another key ingredient. As the children become more active, working in the garden, their health improves. It strengthens the body yet feeds the soul.
The concept of magic also weaves its way into the narrative. When Colin starts to believe in his own recovery, a remarkable shift occurs. This element suggests the power of a positive mindset and self-belief in the healing process.
Finding Your Own Healing Path
We concluded our conversation by pondering the question: if "The Secret Garden" were your sole guide, how would you embark on a healing journey? While Burnett doesn't offer a step-by-step process, she equips readers with valuable tools. By embracing nature, moving our bodies, and nurturing a sense of possibility, we can cultivate our own gardens of growth and well-being.
The next time you finish a book, even if it’s a kids book, consider booking a dialogue. You (and your inner child) might be surprised by the hidden layers when you dive a little deeper with someone else.
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