Finding Peace: A Beginner's Guide to Gardening Mindfulness
Keen to give mindfulness a go? The perfect place to start might be right outside your door
Spring is nearly here and it’s time to dust off those gardening gloves. But rather than viewing gardening as another chore, stop to consider the benefits of immersing yourself in flora. Mindfulness is the word of the moment, defined as: “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique”.
What better place to focus on the present moment than in the garden? Here’s how to make the most of your time tending to the outdoors, and some images of beautiful outdoor spaces that will aid your quest for peace.
What better place to focus on the present moment than in the garden? Here’s how to make the most of your time tending to the outdoors, and some images of beautiful outdoor spaces that will aid your quest for peace.
Tidy mind, happy heart
Creating a well-ordered space is sure to enhance your sense of wellbeing and peace. Getting stuck in in the garden – mowing lawns, trimming hedges and weeding edges – is a good opportunity to get your body moving while giving your mind a rest.
In her column, New Zealand-based gardening guru Lynda Hallinan declares: “When you’re doing it right, weeding can be much more satisfying than silent yoga retreats and taking a packet of felt pens to an adult colouring-in book. Indeed, an afternoon spent weeding can be akin to a religious experience, with a healthy dose of vitamin D on the side”.
Weeding is peaceful, mundane and satisfying; an activity ripe for allowing our minds to pause.
Creating a well-ordered space is sure to enhance your sense of wellbeing and peace. Getting stuck in in the garden – mowing lawns, trimming hedges and weeding edges – is a good opportunity to get your body moving while giving your mind a rest.
In her column, New Zealand-based gardening guru Lynda Hallinan declares: “When you’re doing it right, weeding can be much more satisfying than silent yoga retreats and taking a packet of felt pens to an adult colouring-in book. Indeed, an afternoon spent weeding can be akin to a religious experience, with a healthy dose of vitamin D on the side”.
Weeding is peaceful, mundane and satisfying; an activity ripe for allowing our minds to pause.
The power of water
A water feature is a perfect addition to your garden and provides an ideal setting for meditation. Sounds are often a focus for meditation, and the flow of water is no exception.
In mindful listening, attention is paid to the sounds that surround us and the ability to let them come and go. Instead of downloading a nature-inspired soundtrack, step into your own backyard and listen for yourself.
Note: Water is commonly used in meditation as a symbol of the infinite flow that moves through blockages, and meditating while in water is seen as having many benefits.
Wonderful Ways to Use Water in the Garden
A water feature is a perfect addition to your garden and provides an ideal setting for meditation. Sounds are often a focus for meditation, and the flow of water is no exception.
In mindful listening, attention is paid to the sounds that surround us and the ability to let them come and go. Instead of downloading a nature-inspired soundtrack, step into your own backyard and listen for yourself.
Note: Water is commonly used in meditation as a symbol of the infinite flow that moves through blockages, and meditating while in water is seen as having many benefits.
Wonderful Ways to Use Water in the Garden
Still waters run deep
A garden pond is another restful space to create and enjoy. This example is rather wild, but works equally well as a place to meditate…
A garden pond is another restful space to create and enjoy. This example is rather wild, but works equally well as a place to meditate…
… or for a more ordered experience, turn your pool into a Zen-like haven, complete with a pipe fountain and giant Buddha, as in this tranquil Miami retreat.
Note: While we’re on the topic of pools, don’t dismiss the meditative qualities of swimming.
Browse beautiful outdoor spaces
Note: While we’re on the topic of pools, don’t dismiss the meditative qualities of swimming.
Browse beautiful outdoor spaces
The heat is on
Tuning in to the flames of an open fire is another way to rest the mind. The way in which the flames dance and change provides an easy opportunity to be present in the moment.
If you are not fortunate enough to have your own outdoor fire, such as this spectacular Cheshire example, try lighting a candle or get creative and transform your television by firing up one of the many virtual fireplaces that are available online.
Tip: If you have Netflix, give the ‘Fireplace For Your Home’ series a try. You’ll instantly have the choice of three different fireplaces complete with music.
Tuning in to the flames of an open fire is another way to rest the mind. The way in which the flames dance and change provides an easy opportunity to be present in the moment.
If you are not fortunate enough to have your own outdoor fire, such as this spectacular Cheshire example, try lighting a candle or get creative and transform your television by firing up one of the many virtual fireplaces that are available online.
Tip: If you have Netflix, give the ‘Fireplace For Your Home’ series a try. You’ll instantly have the choice of three different fireplaces complete with music.
Time for a trim
One study from Bakker Spalding garden centre in the UK found that 88 per cent of gardeners reported increased mental wellbeing as a key benefit of gardening. Keeping topiary trees such as these tamed may seem a nightmare proposition, but the concentration required to create and maintain perfectly trimmed topiary is just the sort of time out our brains crave. The maintenance required demands regular time spent outside and in the moment.
One study from Bakker Spalding garden centre in the UK found that 88 per cent of gardeners reported increased mental wellbeing as a key benefit of gardening. Keeping topiary trees such as these tamed may seem a nightmare proposition, but the concentration required to create and maintain perfectly trimmed topiary is just the sort of time out our brains crave. The maintenance required demands regular time spent outside and in the moment.
The grass is greener
Beautiful grass takes ongoing care, but view regular watering, fertilising and mowing as further opportunities to practice mindfulness. Take your shoes off once your work is done and walk through the lush grass to stimulate the reflexology points in your feet.
Beautiful grass takes ongoing care, but view regular watering, fertilising and mowing as further opportunities to practice mindfulness. Take your shoes off once your work is done and walk through the lush grass to stimulate the reflexology points in your feet.
Perfect patterning
For something different, overhaul an unused section of your garden with a selection of stones. Focusing on forming a pattern can be a creative escape, and once completed you will have a Zen-like zone. Even better, you can pick the stones up and form new patterns whenever inspiration strikes.
For something different, overhaul an unused section of your garden with a selection of stones. Focusing on forming a pattern can be a creative escape, and once completed you will have a Zen-like zone. Even better, you can pick the stones up and form new patterns whenever inspiration strikes.
Time for tea
Keen to take your garden to the next level? Take a leaf out of a Japanese book (and I’m not talking tidying) and create a formal tea garden such as the one seen here. It will take time to establish, but once completed it’s sure to spark joy…
A Beginner’s Guide to the Japanese Tea Garden
Keen to take your garden to the next level? Take a leaf out of a Japanese book (and I’m not talking tidying) and create a formal tea garden such as the one seen here. It will take time to establish, but once completed it’s sure to spark joy…
A Beginner’s Guide to the Japanese Tea Garden
… or make space for a covered daybed, perfect in every weather.
Look around
Finished gardening for the day? Take 10 minutes to walk around your garden and notice as many details as possible. In this way we are truly living in the moment and appreciating the rewards of our hard work.
Tell us
Is gardening your escape? Tell us how your garden and the time you spend working in it help you find peace in the Comments below. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
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Finished gardening for the day? Take 10 minutes to walk around your garden and notice as many details as possible. In this way we are truly living in the moment and appreciating the rewards of our hard work.
Tell us
Is gardening your escape? Tell us how your garden and the time you spend working in it help you find peace in the Comments below. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation.
More
Browse stories about how to create a healthy home
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Katie Kookaburra