Creating a Meditation Garden
The restrictions on movement and social interactions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in people spending more time at home than ever before. This can be a strain both on the personal level and for family dynamics as well – the most loved family members can get on each other’s nerves after a period of time.
Social interactions which help to break the monotony and relieve stress are also severely limited. Things will improve in the future, but it could take some time. Finding a way to unwind and destress at home offers a great way to overcome the hassles that excessive home time can cause. One of the best ways to do this is to create a meditation garden.
The Oldest Relaxation Method
Meditation is one of the oldest forms of relaxation and stress relief known to man. It has been practiced in some form or another throughout history. Meditation is not tied to any religion or belief -people of every faith and of no faith at all find peace, comfort and relaxation, both mentally and physically, through meditation. Centuries of proof cannot be ignored.
Creating a Meditation Garden
The first step is to clean up and declutter the area where the garden will be set up. Once the space is clear, it will be easier to envisage the possibilities. This is important also because meditation requires a comfortable space, not one that is overcrowded. The layout and view must be given importance. Meditation involves contemplation and this is not possible if there are distractions or sights that move the mind away from serenity. Even an excess of brightly colored plants and flowers can have this effect. Bright colors are known to stimulate the mind and spirit. Ideally, the meditation area should be set apart from the rest of the garden so that it has a focused ambiance that will help everyone relax.
Besides the plants, in some cases, a small pergola could serve as a creative retreat. The right lighting will enable the area to be enjoyed even after dark. If there is enough space, a water feature is a good addition to the garden as the sound of flowing water has a calming and soothing effect that is conducive to stress reduction.
What makes for a peaceful meditation garden will depend on the personalities and nature of the people who use it. Fashioning an atmosphere that will suit all those who go to the garden is not easy. Creating a garden can be a time consuming and tiring task, even for those who love gardening. That effort and stress will defeat the purpose of a meditation garden. The ideal meditation garden should be created by a landscaping professional who understands the client’s wants and needs. He will know how to make the best use of the space available, how to use plants and shrubs, lighting and other features to create the right atmosphere and if needed, maintain the area so that it always looks it best without the homeowner needing to put in any effort. Once a meditation garden is set up, it will continue to be enjoyed long after the pandemic is over.
- Sep 25, 2020