before and after shots of the carpark - our job at Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple - Yorkshire

One of our primary jobs while we were at the Buddhist Temple was to clear the weeds and grass in the main carpark.

This carpark is the one that guests to the four star B and B used, as well as for the guests who came to eat at the wonderful world peace cafe. 

The car park is supposed to have white pebbles across is, but instead was overgrown in thick grass, inches of soil and weeds. There were also random piles of bricks and pallets of rubbish, making some of the area inaccessible for cars to park in.

Though we had an array of tools to use, we found that hand picking was one of the quickest ways to get rid of them all. And yes - before anyone comments - because we were working within the constraints of the beliefs of our work placement, we couldn't use any poisons or harmful substances.

The three of us got into a bit of a rhythm and worked as a team to loosen the weeds with a nail rake, rake up the remains of white pebbles and then start pulling the weeds. It was pretty intensive and hot work, but like our walk on the camino, a calming activity where we had no other responsibilities other than to weed and to be.  I actually don't mind menial work.  A long time ago, I was told in acting school that there was no such thing as a 'small part' in a film or a play, only small actors. I have brought that with me in my worklife. All tasks have a place. Some are given more importance than others, just as some are more urgent  than others. Besides, menial tasks give you the freedom to think freely and most people leave you alone to continue your work. Its a good place to be alot of the time. 

I took photos over the four days we worked on the carpark. I'm glad we did as it was a pretty relentless task and it made us feel good to see the stones gradually appear.