If your garden is anything like mine is, it is a peaceful sanctuary to relax in. It is a place where you can lose yourself in the outdoor world and take time to refocus, refuel and reflect.
A meditation garden is a refuge from the outside world. Many times life will throw some tough challenges your way, but if you sit in your garden for an hour it can totally change your perspective on the situation and give you a new outlook on life.
I have done a lot of reflection on which parts of my garden help with this meditative process and have discovered that there are several different design elements that really help me, and you might find that they help your garden and you also.
Before I discuss them, I just wanted to mention that I am not talking about feng shui, zen gardens or creating a garden as a shrine for worshiping a god in. What I am talking about is designing a garden that can allow you to basically stop and smell the roses. In other words, provide you with a safe haven and a place for collecting your thoughts.
Essential Meditation Garden Elements
So how do you create a good meditation garden? The following are some of the most effective elements.
Shade – so am I a gloomy individual who prefers to sit in the dark? No, not at all. What really seems to work is the way a tree’s canopy is able to filter and dynamically alter light and the soothing dappled shade that it provides.
No visible fences – for most gardeners it isn’t possible to remove the boundaries and look out at the rolling hills. However, what is possible is being able to cover your fences completely with living plants so that you can’t see them. I have found that plays a significant role in being able to reflect in my garden and feel that my refuge has no limitations to it.
Running water – one of the key elements to a meditative garden is having the sound of running water in the background. It is why so many people these days have a water feature included in their landscape. You want it to be a gentle trickle rather than a gushing waterfall. If you’re interested then look at these water fountains for the outdoor area – they’re awesome.
Wind chimes – these are not a meditative element for me. In fact, if my garden had wind chimes in it I would get out a hammer and throttle them in less than half an hour. However, some individuals do find them to be quite relaxing and like hearing a small symphony orchestrated in their gardens by a gentle breeze.
Relaxing chairs – adding some nice chairs, like some very comfortable Adirondack chairs, a rope hammock or banana lounge can set the right mood and get you into a meditative frame of mind – if you don’t end up falling asleep that is.
Birds – it isn’t necessary to get an aviary created in order to enjoy birds inside your garden. Gardens can attract native birds to their gardens by putting up bird feeders to a bird bath for them to bathe and preen in. Their calm and gentle lifestyle can provide your meditation garden with a real boost.
So those are some of the most effective design elements that have worked for me. There might be others that will also be helpful for you.
Whatever purpose your garden serves, it can be a meditative place where you escape from all of the noise and frenzy of the outside world and take a few moments to reflect on the good things in life.
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