A meditation garden, sometimes called a contemplation garden, is a fairly new concept. Of course, gardens and meditation have been around for centuries, but the combination of the two as a specific serene spot you can create yourself is more of a modern concept.
The reason for having one of these types of gardens is to give yourself a place to sit down and meditate, or at least to think quietly and enjoy the surrounding environment. These types of gardens are a handy way to escape the tensions of your ordinary life. In essence, your visit to the meditation garden is meant to be a pleasant break during your day. When you think of your meditation garden, you should picture yourself relaxing, sitting on a bench meditating, while listening to birds chirping, water running and feeling the cool breeze over your face.
A meditation garden can have different meanings for different people. When you think of a meditation garden, do you envision a secluded, private retreat surrounded by lush tropical growth as in a rainforest? Or perhaps you see an area in a traditional garden that has been designated for the purpose of meditating or just sitting in contemplation with a bench or chair?
Meditation gardens can take many different forms, but their primary purpose is to provide a vehicle for mental, emotional and physical benefits. A place that can offer refuge from a hectic lifestyle, a sanctuary for soul rejuvenation, a place conducive for actual meditation practice.
Meditation gardens are ideal places for those who prefer outdoor meditation. They are conducive to peace and tranquillity, bonding human beings with nature. They are ideal for relaxation, reflection and cogitation.
Of course, an otherwise simple garden that just happens to have a bench strategically placed near a waterfall can also serve as your meditation garden. Especially if you realize that it really does function as such and has the right “feeling”. To create these feelings, consider elements such as privacy, enclosure, canopy and exposure to the elements, amount of plants, sounds, scents, colour and proximity to your main house.
Whether you live in a large city with limited space or in the middle of the country, you can create a meditation garden, a place for you to relax anytime and meditate.
There are really no specific rules dictating the size or requirements for these types of gardens. They can be created indoors or outdoors and can be designed in a simple or ornate fashion depending on your personal style and where you live. It is your meditation garden and can be designed exactly how you want it.
Think about it, there is no point in creating a garden to meditate in, if you don’t like it or feel at peace in it. When you are creating your meditation garden it is important to remember that it needs to be a reflection of how you view peace and happiness. Your garden is meant to be your very own personal space.
Meditation Garden Design
You could choose to make your meditation garden useable all year round by using different elements such as rock or wood or water or a blend of these elements. A winding path which leads to a lovely tranquil area with a simple water feature is another idea. The sound of gently running water is always relaxing.
Including water is a great asset because meditation gardens should appeal to all the senses. Hence, you should have beautiful foliage that appeals to the eyes, scented flowers that appeals to the nose, and waterfalls or fountains that appeal to the ears.
A meditation garden after all is your own personal space for finding peace and serenity. The most important aspect to a meditation garden is that the space feels comfortable and nurturing to you.