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Nancy’s nook-rocks & stones

There is no garden that is complete without some type of rocks or stones that lend their
presence and power. Whether it is a vegetable garden that has some rocks to define the
space between different crops, or an ornamental garden that has well spaced out pebbles to
portray a pathway, the humble element of rock and stone is basically essential next to the
isten, can you hear the sound of the birds
singing? There, in the trees, where the
vibrant greens and radiant colours of any garden. cool
Lbreeze gently blows through the branches and
The Japanese garden is very well known for using stones to bring about a sense of peace
across your face. The rustling of the leaves accompanies
and purpose. A well placed stone can be a centrepiece that just completes a certain area,
the melody of the flitting birds and the ground beneath your
or an arrangement of different sized stones, always in odd numbers, can lead the eye in a
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
direction that passes by other areas of the garden that call for your gaze to alight upon, and
flowers and damp grass wafts up to greet you as you walk slowly and caresses your senses.
can bring about an emotional feeling of serenity, calmness and awakening. Sometimes just
If you feel a sense of calm and peace wash over you after reading these words, then you
a single well placed stone surrounded by plain grass or even plainer pebbles is the ultimate
know how powerful nature is to our well-being. We are connected in more ways than we can
form of simplicity, yet it can bring one to a deep state of contemplation and meditation.
see, or imagine, to the nurturing and vital life force that is present throughout the wilds of the
There is nothing to distract the eyes and the mind from the form, texture and colours of the stone,
land, the open savanna and the dense jungle, the tame backyard grass and the domesticated lemon
and by sitting and observing the stillness of the stone, it can bring one’s own self into stillness.
tree.
It is so vital to our health, and overall quality of life on all levels, to connect on an ongoing
There are even Japanese gardens that are only made of stone. To contemplate such a stone
basis to this vibrant and indispensable energy and life that is fully present when we take the time
garden is to look upon an emptiness that leads to enlightenment. Successful stone arrange-
to step outside where the sun shines, the earth crumbles and the sky beckons.
ments seem almost alive, as the gardener seems to enter into a dialogue with the stones and
Being in nature has been proven to have many benefits, including decreased stress and
the surrounding nature, and can intuitively place them in just the right place to allow them
depression, improved relaxation, enhanced mood and increased immune function, improved
to express their fullest potential.
cardiovascular and respiratory function, decreased blood pressure, improved sleep-wake cycles
and heightened awareness.
Take a walk around your garden, letting your mind be open to impressions and sensations,
Spending time in nature also can improve relationship skills and reduce aggression, as well
and let yourself feel where there is a space that would do well to have one stone or several
as help with general medical recovery, pain reduction, and ADHD reduction.
smaller different sized stones placed to create an area of peace and contemplation. It can
The Japanese have a unique name for this experience; Shinrin-yoku, which roughly
be as small as a few pebbles placed on the ground where there are no plants, or next to a th
translated means ‘forest bathing’. It's the practice of spending prolonged periods of time wi
single pot with a healthy plant, or it can be as large as a rock placed in a pleasing place on
trees in order to gain from their many health benefits.
So take the time now to go outside in a safe place where nature is all around you, take off
the earth, lawn or any wide open space you have. You can also use healing stones such as
your shoes so you can stroll barefoot on the earth and go for a meandering walk with no
rose quartz or clear quartz, or other stones that you have an affinity to and are known to
destination in mind. Be aware of the scents, the textures, the tastes, the sights and the feelings
have certain properties. For example, agates are grounding, promote general good health
that surround you.
and longevity, and generate a calming environment. What a great opportunity to have some
Close your eyes and just breathe, be present to the
Botswana agate in a special part of your garden!
wonder of nature.
If you cannot go fully into nature, just step out into
Let your own little stone garden serve to be a shelter for your mind and soul when you sit
your garden, no matter how large or small it is and be
by it, and a sacred space where you are open to share the tranquility and stillness of a simple stone.
present to it in this moment.
And remember that to live our life in balance, we must
“They’re just stones, aren’t they?... I’m sure you see a kind of power and mossy beauty radiating
be in balance with nature too.
out of them, the way you look at them.” www.nancysartnook.com
Yasunari Kawabata, www.facebook.com/NancysGourmetArtNook
Beauty and Sadness Nancy Horenburg - naneky@gmail.com
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