Find Gratitude & Peace in Your Spring Garden
Here in New Jersey, gratitude and peace are just a sign as Spring time is starting to roll in! We had a few days of teasing with the nice warmer weather, but I know it will be coming! If you mediate (or if you want to start), consider going outside when the weather get better; your spring garden can be a delightful addition to your meditation practice. It can be very simple to design a special space that will appeal to all your senses without requiring much time consuming maintenance.
In full disclosure, I have to let you know that I don’t have one… yet! I will be creating this for me in the next coming weekends! As I plan it out, I thought I would share my thoughts with everyone. These are some ways to create a garden that can increase your gratitude and improve your peace of mind come rain or shine.
Designing a Spring Meditation Garden:
1. Select lush plants. An abundance of green plants helps to create a relaxing atmosphere. Any variety of mint or other herbs will add a pleasing scent; I am a fan of lavender!. If you live in a warm climate, you can enjoy the rustle of bamboo or look for an ornamental grass that’s suited to your region. Be careful, though – Bamboo can quickly take over and spread. When we looked into planting bamboo, we were told to use an in-ground concrete barrier (we passed on planting this!)
2. Incorporate objects of meditation. Depending on your faith tradition, you may want to include a statue or another meaningful image. A simple arrangement of rocks or weathered wood can add extra gratitude appeal. Many people also find it helpful to rake gravel or sand. Many specialty stores sell these readymade “Zen Gardens.”
3. Install solar birdbaths or fountains. The sound of running water can stimulate your mind while it masks background noises. With solar devices, you can enjoy the effect and be good to the environment. You’ll also delight in the song and company of the birds you attract.
4. Arrange for comfortable seating. If you prefer to sit on the ground, you may just want to keep a spot clear so you can bring a cushion or mat outdoors with you. If you use a chair, ensure it promotes good posture so you can keep your back straight and your feet on the ground.
5. Build a path. Even in a small garden, a path can enhance your sense of space and exploration. You can contemplate a trail of stones or diversify your practice with some walking meditation.
Check back tomorrow for more ideas for expressing gratitude in your garden sanctuary!
Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru
Paul,
I am sure you will consult your local landscaping person, but a few things to consider. Mint will take over your garden if you let it. Please bed ie with serious barriers. Also, bamboo will do the same thing they will both overtake your garden so please go to a local nursery and haver a very candid conversation. Both plants are absolutely beautiful but both bring a whole lot of power.
Love your blog. Thanks for all of the goodness.
Thanks, Michele –
I mentioned that Bamboo should be planted in a concrete barrier so as not to spread; I was unaware of the same issue with mint! Thanks for sharing that!
Paul,
As I have gone and reread my comment 2 things…sorry for the typos…I hate them and I frequently post at night so I am tired and not quite sure my brain is in gear.
Also, You did say bamboo…and that is like a big red light to me, so I definitely didn’t see your final comment on planting bamboo….I don’t even have a garden but I have spent so much time in the flower industry and skirted the gardening industry so I have heard the unfortunate news about bamboo…and always sad. It is so beautiful when it is growing.
Thanks for all the gratitude you share.
Paul,
I would love to create a garden for meditation! You have inspired me to put this on my “now” list 🙂 Thank you providing such a positive place to stop by and be renewed!
hahahha- thanks sooooooooooo much – it is just a reminder BUT – much needed after a longlonglonglong winter- just remind your self that god is always all around you–he is always there – alwayswawaysalways- thnaks so much for that little reminder – do not forget – 1. go slow —2, focus on now — 3. be present always and AND— ??? hummmmm – the brain is shorting out- it’ll come to me – OK ! go slow – focus and be present always and 3.be thankful you are alive- thats it – good luck to all- wowowowowo- best John Marine
again – thanks so much – for all the reminders- also== just be grateful you are alive – it could be so much worse than it is – think about that – think about it- it could be so much worse – I have to go into a nursing home every day – my mom is there – arrghhhhhhhhhhhh – the lady next door is diabetic with no leges !!!!! she is 58 – arrghhhhh – me — I can eat anything – anythiong _ I can drink I can drive – I can smoke- –thanks to god I still can – I need it – I need a lot of things —====I have most – thnak you – wowowowow- Thanksthnaksthnaks
think of all the people and kids who do not have a home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they do not have a home – me? I have a home and a computer so I can talk to all of you- think about that for a minute -OK ??? dinkweed – that is an old maine term to describe a jerk- OK/ a Jerk description– do not be a jerk and just be thankful that you have somewhat of a brain – thats it – somewhat of a brain – so == be thnakful and gratefful – period – I am done – goo dbye – see you all tomorrow – best John Marine –
Paul-
What a great way to enjoy the new beginnings of Spring. There is nothing so soothing and therapeutic as being in a quiet beautiful place. That alone is a wonderful thing to be thankful for, without a doubt. As I write, I can see my beautiful lush yard and it inspires me too!
Hi Paul,
Your spring garden meditation is great but over here at my place is not easy to have a garden. Anyway, definitely things can change and I might get a place to grow plants and have fun meditation. Thank you Paul for this new insight. Love your stuff.
Definitely makes me feel peaceful just reading this!! Thanks for the input