Free your with mind with THIS meditative pastime

Gardening has been proven to calm and boost mood with experts testifying that being at one with nature can help to raise our spirits. The addition of meditation to gardening is a wonderful way to increase nature’s uplifting and relaxing powers. It can help to clear our minds and enable access to our more profound thoughts and instincts.

Based on the ancient knowledge that being outdoors makes us feel good, the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku (forest-bath) is a form of meditative gardening. Forest bathing is the act of absorbing the forest atmosphere through our senses. This is achieved by using rituals as simple as getting your hands dirty or focused breathing of the fresh and naturally scented air.

Meditative gardening encourages a broad scope of activity and therefore is open to your interpretation. One aspect would be creating an awareness of the garden’s sensual details and soaking up its serenity. Notice the birdsong, aromas, textures and sounds.

Gardening can also be a ‘flow’ state. This means that there is a sense of fluidity between body and mind when you are absorbed and focused on something beyond a point of distraction. As your attention and work turn entirely to nature, you will notice that the world around you starts to slow and that your concentration moves to the smaller things.

So, how can you achieve a no distraction dig?

• First, check-in on yourself. What do you feel at this moment? Take some time to create an awareness of your body and mood.
• Then, if it is safe to do so, remove your shoes and walk barefoot through the grass. Be grateful for your garden and the sanctuary it provides for you.
• Begin to closely inspect your plants and notice their minute details; create an awareness of nature’s intricacies.
• Do not allow for distractions. Setting boundaries for your time in the garden will allow you to be uninterrupted by the outside world.

Meditative gardening can contribute to an improvement in wellbeing as you free your mind to notice the beauty within your back garden. Using your senses will allow your mind to become distracted from your internal, daily narration.

This multisensory environment and experience is the perfect garden tool for healing and growing your spirit.

To read more about meditative gardening, visit Sloane & Sons today.