THIS is the time of year when gardeners are active in preparing for the spring season. The best growing conditions, aside from the weather, are achieved by trying to get the healthiest soil possible - so the additions of organic and non-organic content are mulched into our soil.

It got me thinking about the comparison between good soil and us as humans. What makes us tick, how do we replenish our hearts, souls and minds? Is there anything we can add that will provide benefits?

Well, in our complicated lives, one thing we could add is time to be still. Stopping and finding a regular quiet space can be likened to soil receiving a good mulching.

It helps us to allow our minds to slow down, to take stock of where we are in our lives and to listen to ourselves.

Christians find that prayer is such a time of quiet, where taking time to stop and reflect often leads to a deeper understanding of God and his plans for them.

It is said that finding regular time to pray leads to a deeper level of confidence and inner peace.

As we all survive in times of challenge in this often-chaotic world, perhaps we can all gain by experiencing a good mulching – that is finding a regular quiet place to reflect on our lives and to seek solutions and experience peace.

During this period of Lent (the run-up to Easter), many Christians will take the opportunity to pray for insights to determine what needs to change to help them draw closer to God.

One thing we could do is redouble our efforts to find daily quiet times and, if so inclined, to invite God into this too – you never know we might find a peace that we have never experienced before.

Happy mulching!

Paul Ashton, White River Community Church, St Austell