Create a Meditation Space in Your Backyard

Everyone’s life is just a little more complicated than it used to be. Stress from work and too many commitments negatively affects our physical and mental health. Many people are turning to meditation to help them cope. It is scientifically proven to relieve stress, combat insomnia, and improve focus. One of the great things about mediation is it is easy to do just about anywhere. However, a dedicated space for meditating makes the practice easier and provides an anytime relaxing retreat. While this space could be anywhere in your house, if you create it outside, you also get the added benefits of connecting to nature. If you have a yard, it is easy to create a special space for meditating, keeping four main points in mind.

Water

The sound of running water is relaxing and a great focusing point for meditation. There are a couple of different ways to introduce this into your space: a pond or a fountain. Both will provide the musical tones plus fresh water for birds and butterflies, but each has positives and negatives.

Ponds not only have the sound of flowing water, but they also have the aesthetic of a calming body of water. If you like aquatic plants, or want to have fish, a pond is necessary. However a pond requires additional planning and maintenance, and locating a pond in your backyard requires forethought. If you do want plants, they need full sun for at least half the day. You don’t want the pond in a low spot in the yard which might flood when it rains. Keeping the water balanced and cleaning the algae in a pond is also a time-consuming task. For an enthusiast, this is a joy; for someone who just wants the sound for meditation, it might be more work than necessary.

For the latter group, a fountain is perfect. It still provides the music of running water, but it doesn’t require regular maintenance. You can easily empty fountains and scrub out any buildup of scum or algae. Filling it when evaporation or splashing lowers the water level is as easy as using a hose, unlike ponds which need their water chemistry checked and balanced anytime additional water is added. Fountains come in many sizes, so are easily located in a quiet corner if you are limited in space.

Either way, you will need access to electricity for the pumps both need, so keep that in mind when planning your oasis.

Separation

If at all possible, you will probably want to separate your oasis area from the rest of the yard. For small areas, you can use movable screens to section off an area of the yard or patio when meditating. If you have more room, consider creating a special area with either a structure or with plantings.

A simple gazebo is easy to construct, and will provide a protected space. Obviously, this can be as simple or elaborate as your wishes and budget dictate. An advantage to this choice is that you can create a raised area that will protect you from damp ground. However, a tent gazebo will also give you the feeling of a separate space at a lower price point. The nice thing about both of these is they make the space usable rain or shine.

Another way to create space is through building a patio. You don’t need to pour concrete for this; you could simply use pavers or create a platform with wood. Both of these will entail some work, but it will give you a defined area.

Finally, you could simply use vegetation to screen off an area of the yard. You could also combine this with any of the other ideas to make a really private space. Either way, through the use of bushes, or rows of flowers or even vine-covered trellises, you can create a sense of isolation from other areas of the yard.

Vegetation

An oasis, by at least one definition, has plenty of greenery. You could just have grass around your area, but that will not create much of a sense of special space. Surrounding your area with plants, flowers, and bushes will help create an area of peace. Some great options include lavender and chamomile whose aromas will help induce calm.

After that, the other plants in the area should reflect your preferences and there are a myriad of options available, even if you are in a less-than-temperate area of the country. However, since you already have the running water in your area that will help attract birds and butterflies, why not also add plants they love. They are wonderful to watch at any time but will also give you an increased sense of nature when meditating.

There are many ways to attract hummingbirds. They love red, so the color to help bring them in. Unless you are a truly dedicated gardener, it is hard to have blooming plants for the full hummingbird season. So you might want to hang a feeder to bring them in, then your plants can keep them coming back. Every area is different, but common plants hummingbirds and butterflies love are flowering vines such as honeysuckle or sweet pea, geraniums, fuchsia, and butterfly bush.

Seating

If you are going to meditate, you need to be able to sit. Everyone has a preferred position when meditating, and it is often discovered by trial and error. Some people can even lay down to meditate, although for many that is just an invitation to take a nap.

Your preference will actually affect your other decisions on the meditation oasis. If you prefer to lay down, your area will need to be big enough to accommodate this. If you prefer to sit, your area can be much smaller. However, if you use a chair, you will need a nice flat, prepared surface. There is nothing worse than your chair tipping when trying to be zen. If sitting on a flat surface is your preference, a yoga mat or simple bench with a cushion will work perfectly. Other options include a hammock or swing.

Other considerations

There are a couple of other ideas to consider when planning your meditation space. If you would like to use your space year round, you need to plan for heaters. Admittedly, this might not be possible in the coldest areas of the country, but even in the northwest, you can use your outdoor area most of the year. Also, consider a fountain that will allow you to add a heater. The birds and squirrels in the area will thank you for providing them with water in the winter.

Finally, consider adding some artistic touches to your area, whether it is a garden statue, a wall hanging or even a pattern in your pavers. This should be a space of calm and beauty, that speaks to you and feels welcoming.

Mindful meditation will help you relieve stress and improve your productivity. It will help you with insomnia, focus, and creativity. While anywhere quiet will suffice to meditate, if you can create a space, in nature, to help you along, why not?