There is a path to a meaningful life.

Too often, however, we are stalled at the boulders that are blocking this path. We feel stuck, yearning for that something “out there” that will bring us joy, connection satisfaction.

So we look for satisfaction in the wrong places— in the refrigerator, at the shopping mall, in the martini glass, at the television screen, on the Internet and in the back of the cupboard where we keep the cookies.

The truth is:

Facebook is fun, but it does not satisfy deeply. Busyness overtakes time for rejuvenation and genuine relaxation. Cookies are tasty, but too many of them will produce new problems.

Increasing numbers of people are finding out that financial success, a dream house and personal recognition, while certainly making life more comfortable, are ultimately empty and sometimes even lonely when other parts of their lives are not satisfying.

So, back to the path to that meaningful life – how do we find it?

I’ve heard of edible underwear, but edible light bulbs? Living Things is a project that focuses on the use of spurilina, an algae that’s capable of creating light as well as a healthy snack. Architectural designer Jacob Douenias and industrial designer Ethan Frier states. “These living structures recycle light, heat, and carbon dioxide from buildings and their inhabitants into rich green biomass which can be consumed as sustenance, used as agricultural fertilizer, or converted to biofuel.”

The meandering path through the lush green of the woods served as a walking meditation for me. I was deeply immersed, steeped into the sweet nectar of the moment. Each of my senses took its turn to be heightened and fully appreciated.

The scenery transformed into high definition, becoming absolutely breathtaking as I began to gain elevation. The tops of trees looked like broccoli, the jagged, chestnut-colored cliffs smiled at me, and the benevolent blue sky was a boundless blanket of love.

I heard the cheery chirping of birds. I basked in the welcoming, social sound of dancing branches in the gentle wind. I listened intently to the subtle crunch of my shoes over small rocks and twigs.

The fresh scent of spring serenaded my sense of smell. I inhaled deeply with my eyes closed and was embraced by bouquets of blooming vegetation.

Despite the barrier of rubber between my feet and the ground, I felt connected with the Earth. My hand reached out and stroked the brown bark of a charming tree. It felt like an old friend.

People have come up with some interesting, yet creative ways of recycling their old furniture into some of the most beautiful garden decorations. Using old pianos, broken pots, and anything else really. All it takes is a little hard work and dedication, but it’s definitely possible to create your own enchanted garden.

One of the amazing things about using these old furnishings as decorations is that the sky is the limit. There is no end to the possibilities of what you could create with the rusting bathtub you have lying around. Or even an old, but stunning bed frame with flowers adorned all over the fixtures. Instead of having silk and lace, you could have vines as drapes with a menagerie of flowers spread out all over the vines! Who knew this would be a good way to recycle?