Brooklyn, NY - August 12, 2025 - Urban gardener and mindfulness advocate Shaulene Wright is speaking out about the growing need for green spaces in cities, emphasising their role in improving mental wellbeing, building community, and fostering environmental awareness.
“Even in a place as busy as Brooklyn, a few pots on a balcony or a rooftop garden can change the way you feel,” says Wright. “It’s not about having the perfect garden. It’s about making space for calm in the middle of the noise.”
The Case for More Green in the Grey
Research from the World Health Organization shows that urban residents are 40% more likely to experience anxiety and 56% more likely to develop mood disorders compared to those in rural areas. Exposure to green spaces, even small ones, has been shown to lower stress levels, improve focus, and increase feelings of social connection.
“In my rooftop garden, I’ve seen people who came up just to say hello to the sunflowers leave with a smile and a lighter step,” says Wright. “That’s the kind of simple, everyday joy that we need more of.”
Mindfulness Meets Gardening
For Wright, gardening isn’t just a hobby — it’s part of her Buddhist practice. She blends the patience, attention, and acceptance learned in meditation with the physical act of tending plants.
“Sometimes a plant won’t grow the way you hoped. That’s not failure. It’s a reminder that we’re not in control of everything — and that’s okay,” she explains. “Gardening teaches you to work with what’s in front of you, not against it.”
Wright also hosts small meditation circles in her rooftop garden, combining quiet sitting practice with time among plants. “The garden sets the tone. It slows people down in a way that feels natural,” she adds.
Practical Steps Anyone Can Take
Wright’s call to action is simple: start where you are. You don’t need a large space, expensive tools, or perfect weather to make a difference.
She suggests:
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Start small — one or two pots with herbs or flowers.
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Notice your space — learn how much light it gets and how the wind moves.
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Be consistent — tend your plants regularly, even for a few minutes.
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Invite others in — share your space, seeds, or even just the view.
“You don’t have to be a Buddhist or a master gardener to get the benefits,” says Wright. “It’s about paying attention, even for five minutes a day.”
Why It Matters Now
With more than 4.3 billion people now living in cities — a number projected to grow — the need for accessible, restorative green spaces is urgent. As cities get denser, small-scale efforts like balcony planters, community gardens, and rooftop planting projects can collectively have a big impact.
“Every little patch of green matters,” Wright notes. “It’s good for pollinators, it’s good for the planet, and it’s good for us.”
About Shaulene Wright
Shaulene Wright is a Brooklyn-based urban gardener and student of Buddhism who combines her love for plants with mindfulness practices. She cultivates her own rooftop garden and facilitates meditation circles, helping her community find connection and calm in the heart of the city.
Call to Action:
Plant something. Share it. Spend five minutes noticing it each day. The garden you grow — no matter how small — can be a source of peace for you and the people around you.
Read the full Interview, here.
Email: shaulenewright@emaildn.com
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