A meditation garden can provide a peaceful place to meditate while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Making and maintaining a meditation garden not only gives a person a creative outlet but, provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for meditation. The garden can be any size, so even a portion of a small yard can be transformed. The key to a meditation garden is that it’s personal to the person who is going to be using it.
Where to Put A Meditation Garden
The garden should be placed in an area that optimises privacy. This is a private sanctuary, so you don’t want a lot of onlookers. Consider the time of day that the garden will be used. For example, if the plan is for morning meditation, it might be a good idea to place the garden on the side of the house that faces the morning sun. This way, the warmth of the sun can be enjoyed while meditating.
Are there any dogs in the family? As much as a family dog can be loved, it’s best to keep a meditation area that the dog doesn’t frequent. If needed, place a small fence around the garden in order to keep it safe. Another thing to think about is if there are any large trees in the area. Although shade can be great, trees can block the sun from plants in the garden and many plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
What To Put In A Meditation Garden
The two main staples for a meditation area outside are a place to sit, (such as a chair or bench,) and plants. When choosing plants, it’s best to pick plants that are native to the area. Not only are they easier to care for, but they also help the natural fauna, (animals native to the area,) with food and shelter. These should easily be found at a local nursery.
If planting flowers, keep in mind the scent of the flowers as their aroma will be noticed during meditation. Also, consider the colour of the flowers. Which colours evoke a feeling of serenity? Statues are another item to take into consideration. Many people enjoy having a statue of Buddha in their meditation area. Of course, there are many other types of statues to consider such as religious icons, animals, or elementals.
Meditation stones and crystals can add beauty to a meditation garden. A meditation alter can be placed in the garden which can hold any meditation accessories that are desired. If planning evening meditations, leave room for some candles. Another idea is to add water to the garden.
Water In A Meditation Garden
Water can add to the serenity of a meditation place. This can be in the form of a birdbath, fountain, waterfall, or water garden. It could also be a simple as placing water lilies or water hyacinths in a sturdy, five-gallon tub. The sight and/or sound of water in a garden can actually be used as the focus of meditation.
Gardens have been used for centuries for meditation retreats. They bring a sense of peace and allow for a connection to nature. Making a meditation garden allows for the use of imagination while creating a sacred, personal location in which to practice meditation.
You should also check out this beginners guide to meditation now you have your garden planned.
