The gentle color of the green plants is soft on the eyes and many gardens contain running water, fountains and other natural sounds such as birds, crickets, and insects--all of which draw the body into a natural environment full of relaxing elements directed at the senses.
Spending time walking slowly in a garden is also quite relaxing to the muscles and tendons. Breathing in the fresh aroma of the plants and flowers relaxes the breathing and lungs, and can serve as a form of aroma therapy, which is known to trigger various areas of the brain and body-memory.
Some people enjoy spending time in a garden as the gardener, where they can plant, trim, put their hands in the soil, and create visual art with color and scenery. Others might prefer to just enjoy the work of gardeners and show their appreciation by admiring the abundance of growth and arrangement. Either way, most everyone can find something about a garden they like.
A powerful garden can be meditative and many individuals prefer sitting, contemplating or journaling while resting in a garden loaded with visual effects, smells and colors that draw on the senses. Sometimes a well places statue within a garden can serve as a resting place for the eyes when practicing mindfulness meditation.
Many cities have centralized public parks with garden areas, and some have more advanced botanic gardens that can be visited for a fee. Whichever garden you choose to spend your relaxation time in, be sure to carve out enough of your schedule to not feel rushed. Take your time to walk the paths and take in the visuals in a leisurely and gentle pace.
"I can spend two hours grubbing about in my garden, dazed with pleasure and intent, and it feels like five minutes." ~Alice Walker
Photo from Japanese Garden, Portland Oregon. 2021
