![]() Configure them in a way that feels right to you and brings you happiness. I like tiny figurines intended for fairy gardens, rocks I've painted, shells, seeds, tree bark, and other trinkets I've found outdoors that remind me of my hiking and camping adventures.įill the container with the substrate, then layer on the stones and other items. If you want to go beyond a traditional Zen garden style, consider adding extra elements. For example, I used five small blacks stones that I gathered during a mindfulness walk in the forest last month for my latest Zen garden. I personally have chosen rocks that I've picked up on vacations that have personal meaning to me. These will become the focal points in your Zen garden. You can also experiment with other earth-based elements, such as wood mulch, small stones, cut grass, or sprouted seedlings in soil. Or, you could use sand collected locally from the edge of a lake or beach that has meaning to you. What do you want to form the base of your garden? If you like the idea of traditional white sand, you can find some at a craft store. Plus, sand can get a little messy! Here's my approach to how to make a Zen garden.Ĭan you upcycle an unused flower pot or a fancy bowl that's tucked away in your kitchen cupboard? I've also used homemade wooden boxes or large, flat seashells for the bases of DIY Zen gardens. ![]() But in modern times, we've evolved these gardens to feature additional earth-derived elements that speak to us, all in a small tabletop scale.Īs I've created a few of these around my home, I tend to work with a soil or pebble base, because it feels more grounding and helps me connect with the earth. Traditional Zen gardens are simple: sand, stones, and occasionally moss. The stones in this 15th-century rock garden are positioned in a way that loosely creates the outline of a branching tree or resembles a tiger and cubs, both tranquil illusions that engage visitors' thinking minds during moments of reflection at the garden. ![]() In Kyoto, Japan, you can visit Ryoan-ji, also known as the Temple of the Peaceful Dragon. You might also spot pieces of moss anchoring the stones, creating an island effect in the sea of sand. You might see approximately fifteen rocks nestled in sand that's been carefully groomed with a rake to display lines in various patterns. These gardens are conventionally located outside and can measure as large as a tennis court. These minimalist gardens, generally featuring white sand and a few carefully positioned rocks, are designed to "invoke deep meditation"-a core tenet of Buddhist philosophy. Originating in Japan, these structures are also known as Japanese rock gardens or karesansui, which translates to "dry-mountain-water," according to Smithsonian Magazine. Let's learn more about these tranquil spaces and how to make a Zen garden of your own. The mini nature oasis provides a focal point for meditation and helps me mindfully pause when spending time indoors. One way I like to bring the beauty and tranquility of Mother Nature indoors is by constructing a DIY Zen garden. And for me, that's achieved by soaking in elements of nature. Adding a layer of calm to our days eases stress.
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