How to create your own meditation space outdoors

08 Dec How to create your own meditation space outdoors

Mental wellness is the buzzword of the decade, with many of us realising just how important it is to make time for ourselves, to connect with nature, and for stress relief. Well, what better way than to make your next project one that isn’t short-lived and can have real benefit for you and those around you?

The goal is to have fun with it and let it take shape based on your intuition. Let’s take a look at the essentials for your meditation area.

1. The area. It can be a big or small space, as long as it is outdoors.
2. A grounded platform. Choose what would feel best for you – soft lawn, sand or pebbles under your feet.
3. Seating. Perhaps it’s a rustic chair, a bench or just you – make sure you have somewhere comfortable to sit.
4. Surrounded by nature. The idea is to create a space where you feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of life. Perhaps that means that your platform is surrounded by shrubs, or perennial blooms, or just a few plants, some garden treasures and even a water feature.
5. Smells, colours and sounds. Part of feeling connected with nature means homing in on that natural comfort. Add plants and elements to your garden that bring these things to life – think bees, butterflies, sunflowers and jasmine.
6. Make sure it is low maintenance. If you aren’t one for garden upkeep or don’t have someone to do it for you, it is essential that you make sure it is easy to maintain. Extra stress from constant weed, mowing and pruning is counterintuitive to your goal.

A few plant ideas for a relaxing atmosphere:

• Buffalo grass – easy to maintain
• Vetiver grass – height and form
• Lavender – height, colour and pollinators
• Sage – foliage colour and smell
• Wild Dagga – colour and pollinators
• Cape Honeysuckle – colour, pollinators and birds
• Spekboom: form, carbon-absorption and water-smart
• Clivia – colour and form
• Aloe Vera – form and medicinal properties
• Wild Iris – form, colour and edging

There are so many plants and layout ideas online to help you create your ideal sanctuary and it needn’t be a costly exercise. What’s important, is that you enjoy creating it as much as you enjoy using it for years to come. Should you need compost, topsoil, or grass, we’re here to help. Chat to us on (076) 399 4688 or email us on office@evangrass.co.za.