Page 54 - nov21

Nancy’s nook- harmony inZen

‘Sitting quietly, doing nothing,

Spring comes and the grass grows by itself.’ Basho, Japanese poet (1644-94)

isten, can you hear the sound of the birds
How many gardeners are there who can agree with this Zen saying from the poet Basho?
singing? There, in the trees, where the cool
It epitomizes the way of balance between working in the garden doing all the necessary soil and
Lbreeze gently blows through the branches and
plant care, and then the moment when everything just grows beautifully when you sit down to
across your face. The rustling of the leaves accompanies
watch and appreciate your garden.
the melody of the flitting birds and the ground beneath your
However, gardens that have more plants obviously require more work in order to enjoy the
bare feet is soft and welcoming. The sky is a brilliant blue with soft white clouds slowly drifting
by. The mild morning sun sparkles amidst the dappled shadows and the scent of hidden little
moments of relaxation and peace when things grow by themselves. So having a dry garden
flowers and damp grass wafts up to greet you as you walk slowly and caresses your senses.
involves less work over time, and more moments to enjoy the stillness. In areas where water is
If you feel a sense of calm and peace wash over you after reading these words, then you
scarce lies an opportunity to make use of the dry elements of nature such as rocks, stones, pebbles,
know how powerful nature is to our well-being. We are connected in more ways than we can
sand, wood, sculptures, pots, and plants that are drought resistant.
see, or imagine, to the nurturing and vital life force that is present throughout the wilds of the
land, the open savanna and the dense jungle, the tame backyard grass and the domesticated lemon
Using these elements to create a Zen like garden can be extremely fulfilling and peaceful. Zen
tree.
gardens are the opposite of Western gardens. Whereas Western gardens are about making
It is so vital to our health, and overall quality of life on all levels, to connect on an ongoing
statements and filling each empty space with an eye-catching arrangement, Zen gardens are about
basis to this vibrant and indispensable energy and life that is fully present when we take the time
reducing the number of elements used and using the empty space to create a harmonious
to step outside where the sun shines, the earth crumbles and the sky beckons.
experience. Western gardens are about stimulating the senses whereas Zen gardens are about
Being in nature has been proven to have many benefits, including decreased stress and
soothing the senses.
depression, improved relaxation, enhanced mood and increased immune function, improved
At the heart of a Zen garden lies balance and harmony, reflecting the two opposing forces of
cardiovascular and respiratory function, decreased blood pressure, improved sleep-wake cycles
and heightened awareness.
nature: light/dark, outer/inner, giving/receiving, male/female, hard/soft. These opposites are
Spending time in nature also can improve relationship skills and reduce aggression, as well
harmonious because they are mutually interdependent. They balance and maintain harmony, thus
as help with general medical recovery, pain reduction, and ADHD reduction.
symbolizing that one cannot exist without the other and that they are inseparable.
The Japanese have a unique name for this experience; Shinrin-yoku, which roughly
translated means ‘forest bathing’. It's the practice of spending prolonged periods of t
In the garden, softness is represented by sand and gravel, and round leafed plants. This is ime with
trees in order to gain from their many health benefits.
counterbalanced by hard elements such as rocks, clumps of plants and sharp leafed plants.
So take the time now to go outside in a safe place where nature is all around you, take off
Raked sand is also an important part of a Zen garden, and it can represent the ebb and flow of
your shoes so you can stroll barefoot on the earth and go for a meandering walk with no
nature, and raked patterns around rocks symbolize the way water flows around an obstacle. The
destination in mind. Be aware of the scents, the textures, the tastes, the sights and the feelings
beauty of raked sand also represents mindfulness. The action of raking can help to empty the
that surround you.
Close your eyes
mind of thoughts and create a mood of non-thinking and peace. and just breathe, be present to the
wonder of nature.
Thus, a zen-like garden can be more than just elements of nature arranged in a harmonious and
If you cannot go fully into nature, just step out into
balanced way, but a way to pursue mental composure and contemplation of our inner nature.
your garden, no matter how large or small it is and be
present to it in this moment.
‘A fallen flower And remember that to live our life in balance, we must
Returning to the branch? be in balance with nature too.
It was a butterfly.’ www.nancysartnook.com
www.facebook.com/NancysGourmetArtNook
Alan Watts, Zen poem 54 Nancy Horenburg - naneky@gmail.com