Pound Ridge, New York
"A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in - what more could be asked? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars." - Victor Higo, Les Miserables
There is nothing like spending time in nature to cultivate strength, peace and quietude. Whether you have a large piece of property or a window box, the simplicity of nature turns our focus inward connecting to spirit.
Working in the garden has other, less spiritual rewards. In addition to being a source of fresh, healthy produce, gardening can ease stress, keep you limber, improve your mood and connect you to a primal state. Here are some simple ways to create a Zen-like garden along with other key factors for outdoor spaces.
Plants: Select evergreens, bonsai or potted succulents when configuring your garden. Try not to overcrowd the space but rather allow energy to flow freely between vegetation.
Gravel or Sand: Create a pathway for peaceful meditation walks. These elements represent virtual water; an element that corresponds to introspection.
Open Space: Select an area and keep it open to allow energy to flow.
Water: Can be created by ripples in sand or actual pond with fish, waterfall or rocks. Actual water has a relaxing effect on the mind and body.
Statuary: Add statues as anchoring pieces and place them near plants.
Pots: Use a variety of pots in clusters. Plant a small tree in one and draping plant in another.
A Place to Sit: Incorporate a wooden bench or large sitting strone to relax, read or meditate.
Sound: Add an element of sound: a bird feeder, chime or waterfall.
Space Constraints: If you have space constraints, work with window boxes, different decorative pots with herbs or flowers in them, small stones, and a chime for sound.
Lighting: A lamppost is the perfect lighting source for the outdoors. Solar is a nice way to go and saves on resources.
Energy FLow: Curving pathways allows energy to modulate just right.
Scents: Flowering plants or herbs are wonderful relaxers or enhancers.
Color: Vegetation or varying species offers accent colors to imbue the human aura.
Balance: A mixture of shade and sunlight along with the use of light and darker - colored flowers brings harmony to the garden.
Movement: Water ponds, flags, bird baths or feeders are fantastic ways to energize the property.
Materials: Gravel, brick, slate, grass, or wood chips mixes up the texture for a fabulous feel and look.
Direction: Work with the position of the sun on your property when choosing elements, colors, and images.
Boundaries: Add a trellis, pergola, or fence for a sense of security and privacy.
Functional Devices: Composts or a toolshed adds function to your outdoor haven.
A strong healthy environment starts in and around the home and clearly has an important role in supporting good physical and mental wellbeing. It fosters security, confidence and comfort. It can impact your mood, behavior, motivation, relationships, and impact your overall immune system. There is no doubt you are as strong as your environment. Get in touch with your environment and let it touch you.
Mary Jane Kasliner
Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com
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