Incorporating Zen design in your backyard garden is powerful enough to take you from high stress to deep relaxation. Generally speaking, when your backyard is Zen, it means a design that is conducive to a serene, meditative, or mindful environment. However, for a closer look let’s delve into what Zen design means in your backyard garden.
But … What is Zen?
Traditionally, a Zen garden is one with white stones in which the artist swirls the stones into a unique design. To give you a brief historical background of the term “Zen”, we go to 12th century Japan. Mahayana Buddhism made its way to Japan in the 12 Century C.E. “Zen” is the Japanese word for “Dhyana” (meditation). Therefore, the term “Zen” is of Japanese origin. While its origins derive from Buddhism, it is now a commonly used term around the world.
Zen teaches that all humans have the capacity to attain enlightenment because we all have an inherent Buddha-nature; indeed, we are all already enlightened beings, but our true potential has been clouded by ignorance. According to some Zen traditions, this ignorance is overcome through a sudden breakthrough — called satori — during meditation in which the true nature of reality, and our experience of it, is revealed.
VIA Patheos
Ways Zen Design May Manifest
It is widely accepted that Zen design is about natural colors in soft tones that induce relaxation and feelings of serenity. It also refers to the elements in a design space that flow visually from one part of the space to the other. The design is one that evokes a calm and centered mind free from confusion. It thereby frees your mind from unnecessary distractions and allows you to see the true reality in a given situation.
So, it naturally follows that this design is one in which you escape from the fast pace of modern life. Along these same lines, its purpose is to soothe and calm your senses while it evokes a freely creative thought process full of joy.
It’s a backyard where stones, greenery, and space are the primary design elements of choice. Your Zen garden might be a section that is away from the rest of the yard and gives a respite for quiet reflection. Other elements to design into your new space are sand, pebbles, and rocks to clear and balance the senses. Add the soothing essence of water with fountains, small streams, or waterfalls. Keep the greenery simple, trim, and lush to calm your senses and add a touch of colorful delight.
Fountains of Water for Your Sanctuary
There’s nothing more soothing than flowing water for your sanctuary. While a Japanese water garden is something else, to enhance your Zen garden, try adding a simple fountain to an area of your backyard sanctuary. Keep the design of your water fountain simple to stay in balance with the rest of your Zen design.
Thought-Provoking Statuary
From the traditional statues of Buddha to a small Pagoda to a statue of whatever makes you feel good, there are many from which to choose for your Zen design. The design direction is to keep it simple and make it an understatement that melds with and enhances your entire sanctuary design.
Pergolas Add a Special Zen Design
Pergolas, with their open-air and lattice roofs, are a wonderful addition to any sanctuary. Use them as shelters, walkways, and on open terraces. The word “Pergola” derives from the Latin word, “Pergula”. This refers to the protruding eaves found on most styles of these structures. From small to large, they are a versatile and artistic piece to include in your sanctuary Zen design.
Add a Symbolic Koi Pond
If you have the room in your sanctuary, add a Koi pond as a symbol of courage and a constant reminder of the enduring cycle of life.
According to Japanese legend, if a Koi fish succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River, it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. VIA Koi Pond Guide
Having a zen design in your backyard is healthy for everyone in your family or for your guests, too. While most people focus on pouring their creativity into their household’s interior design, you might forget about the importance of appearance, specifically with your beautiful outdoor living space. So, why not dig in and create a peaceful backyard of serenity and relaxation?
If your household has enough backyard space, then, consider taking advantage of the area. Amazingly, this one step gives you a unique outdoor living space where your family and friends build new memories. With that in mind, it’s only ideal that you try to make it not only look amazing but also serenely relaxing.
Conclusion
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