As I laboured, packing the rocks for my new water feature, I felt a
certain sense of satisfaction in the gnawing pain in my back. Physical
labour — feeling the weight of the rocks, their smoothness, their warmth
from where they had been lying in a pile in the sun for a couple of
weeks — gives me a sense of accomplishment. I stand back, surveying my
handiwork and feel an exquisite sense of well-being.