How To Make A Mini Zen Garden
Getting Calm In Small Spaces
Are you feeling stressed today?
Chances are, you've got something upsetting you!
It's hard to escape stress nowadays. Across the world and even in our everyday lives, it seems almost impossible to get some much-needed peace and quiet.
That's why having a space that allows you to clear your head is crucial for your wellbeing! It gives you a minute to refresh and relax your mind and body.
While it doesn't resolve all your concerns, it lets you confront them with a renewed perspective!
If you don't have a room or a garden to call your happy place, what you may do is make a mini zen garden.
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But wait - just what is a mini zen garden, and how can they help you unwind?
To answer your questions, we've come up with a simple overview on what zen gardens are, what benefits they present, and how to make a mini zen garden of your own!
With this, you can find inner peace when things get tough and out of control.
Read on to find out how you can build a space for serenity - that fits right above your desk or table!
What Is A Zen Garden?
Zen gardens are dry landscape gardens that symbolize the essence of nature. Their origin goes back to 1,000 B.C., when they were first created at temples of Zen Buddhism.
Over time, Zen gardens have predominantly been used as spaces for meditation and reflection. They are sanctuaries for people who seek inner peace and harmony with nature.
Given this, most Zen gardens come with basic natural elements, including sand or gravel and rocks. Some also have modest plants and water features.
The rocks are typically arranged to imitate mountains and islands, while sand patterns evoke waves in the sea.
Principles of Zen Gardens
While Zen gardens are famous for their minimalist appearance, there's more to them than meets the eye. Their clean, almost vacant form emerges from deep philosophical influences.
A few principles behind Zen gardens include:
Simplicity - A Zen garden represents nature in its true form. The clear spaces present how simple the world is without excess objects and pretenses.
This is why it encourages reflection and purity of thought. It calls us to rid ourselves of mental clutter, and also meditate on the essential meaning of our lives and the world around us.
Asymmetry - Nature is not symmetrical, so Zen garden designs are not involved with perfection. Rather, they go for harmony and flow.
Rocks meet the sand to represent the disproportional yet harmonious elements of nature. This entices us to value the ebb and flow of life and try to attain balance in our own living.
Stillness - The immense space and the supposed "emptiness" of a Zen garden stirs up a sensation of calm, clarity, and peace of mind.
It emphasizes the concept that the less you see, the clearer you genuinely see. You can get a moment to breathe, be still, and be present.
Benefits of Having A Mini Zen Garden
Don't have enough time, resources, or room at home to create a full-sized zen garden? Well, you can always go for mini zen gardens!
These tiny beauties recreate the look and embody the ideas behind conventional zen gardens. If your home or office has become a place where you feel anxious and bogged down, this is perfect for you.
Here are a few major benefits of having a mini zen garden:
Provides stress relief. It reminds you to slow down and relax. When you're stressed out, you can draw patterns in the sand, arrange the stones, or simply admire it. This will help lower your stress levels immediately!
Boosts concentration and creativity - The clear, stimulating space of a Zen garden helps clear your thoughts. This means you can concentrate more on your work and even try new strategies you hadn't thought about before!
Inspires beauty - Spruce up any space in your home! Its natural look invigorates you and allows you to see the world anew. In a simple way, it shows you that life is wonderful: from the big picture down to its little, imperfect details.
What You'll Need For Your Mini Zen Garden
Ready to make your mini zen garden? Let's get to it!
Here are the standard items you'll need for your calming mini garden:
Sand - Decorative sand is easily available at most craft shops. If you want more vibrance, go for colored sands! Some people also use sand from seashores for an even more natural effect.
Container - Planters, plates, boxes, glass bowls, wooden boxes, and small trays all make great containers!
Plants - Air plants, succulents, and mosses are preferred options for mini zen gardens, as they don't require a lot of water. Top tip: be sure to water your plants lightly! Water the potting mix only until it gets moist.
Stones - Stones are essential for any zen garden, whether you go for the traditional version or design your own. Go with garden stones, pebbles, and crystals!
Mini Rake - You can build a DIY mini zen garden rake or find one online! This is what you'll use to create patterns in the sand.
Trinkets - Any of your beloved trinkets would be superb for your zen garden! You can opt for Zen-inspired trinkets such as mini Buddhas, bridges, or lanterns or choose ones based on your personal style.
Essential Oils (optional) - Make your zen garden smell as soothing as it looks with essential oils! Top tip: relaxing scents include jasmine, lavender, lemon, and ylang-ylang.
Steps To Make Your Mini Zen Garden
The best thing about making mini zen gardens is that you get to discover your own zen. This means you create a landscape that appeals to your personal ideas of peace and nature.
That said, here are a few standard steps you can follow to design your mini zen garden. Remember, you can switch up the process depending on your materials and tastes!
Place your potting mix into the areas where you want your plants in your container.
Put in your plants. Be sure they're in spots where they can receive enough light.
Spread the sand over the rest of the container.
Line up your stones to create a border between your plants and the sand.
Put your other stones, pebbles, or crystals in any pattern of your liking.
Add in a few drops of essential oils into the sand if you wish.
Trace patterns on the sand with the rake.
Place in the trinkets and accessories of your choice.
Mini Zen Garden Ideas
Can't think of a theme for your tiny happy place that will make you feel peaceful and at ease? Don't stress!
Get inspiration from these unique and soothing mini zen garden ideas.
Simple
Keep it simple and serene with this tabletop zen garden, made with only three items.
Succulent
Add more life and energy to any space with a pleasant succulent zen garden!
Bridge
In Zen philosophy, bridges symbolize the connection between man and nature. Use this concept with a mini garden featuring a tiny bridge!
Sanctuary
Greens, sands, stones, and blooms inspire beauty and harmony in this little sanctuary.
Box
Get green and resourceful with this DIY zen garden in a box.
Colorful
Got a more fun and creative style? Choose this vibrant yet calming mini paradise!
Beach
If you find your peace in the sun, sands, and sea, set up this mini zen beach for your desk!
Winter
Need easy yet unique and thrilling holiday decor? Try this winter-themed zen garden!
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