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Mindful Makers and Doers Club

Mindful Makers and Doers Club

Zen Gardening 101

What is "Zen" and what's it got to do with gardening?

Zen is a school of Buddhism that originated in China and was cultivated in Japan.

At the core of Zen Buddhist philosophy are the concepts of awareness of one's experience of existing (i.e. mindfulness) and the interconnectedness of life and nature. These concepts are explored through practices like "Zazen" (sitting meditation) and "Koan" (contemplation through storytelling).

Zen gardens, otherwise known as "karesansui", were initially created by Zen monks as places for meditation and contemplation.

What to expect in this activity

In this activity, you'll use the process of creating a mini Zen garden as a canvas for creativity and a tool for reflection. You'll also get the opportunity to practice the skill of mindfulness through observation and focusing on what is happening in the moment. 

You can do this activity on your own at a solo table, or you can interact with others as you do the activity at the communal table.

There are 7 Zen Buddhist principles that guide the traditional process of creating Zen gardens. Further down this page, you'll find instructions for creating your garden as you learn about the principles.

zen-garden.jpg

1. Simplicity and restraint

The first 2 Zen principles are about keeping things simple and only doing what is necessary.​ If a garden is not visually complicated, viewers don't have to spend a lot of mental effort on observing its different components.

Instructions:

  • Look at the image of a zen garden above. Reflect on how it is different to "Western-style" gardens. Describe what makes it different - you could discuss with others or reflect on your own.

  • Inspect the materials you’ll be using to create your mini Zen garden. Pick them up and observe their colours, feel their textures and notice what sounds they make if you tap on them. 

2. Stillness

This principle is about creating a space that inspires a sense of calm.​ Japanese Zen gardens are made to be easy on the eye, so they generally don’t feature brightly coloured flowers or decorative items.

Instructions:

  • Prepare your canvas by slowly pouring the sand into the tray. Perhaps you might find the smooth motion of the sand as it makes its way into the tray quite calming. 

  • Use your hands and rake to distribute the sand as you wish. Remember, you’re the artist and you don’t have to make your garden look like the image above.

  • You can choose to have your sand completely flat or perhaps you might form some small mounds.

3. Subtlety

This principle is about telling a story or alluding to an idea through the simple components of a garden.​ By keeping things simple, viewers are invited to use their imagination.

Instructions:

  • Use your rake and hands to make patterns in the sand that tell a “story” about how your day went.

  • When you’re done, observe your masterpiece and describe the patterns and how the sand looks in your head. 

  • As you observe, try not to get caught up in thoughts about what it means and how your day went.

  • Erase your masterpiece by flattening out the sand with your rake or by tapping the outside of the tray. Perhaps this action could symbolise mentally letting go of what happened today.

4. Naturalness and asymmetry

These principles are about going with the flow of nature to maintain a sense of "naturalness" in the design of a garden.​ Japanese Zen gardens often feature odd numbers of rocks arranged unevenly to mimic irregularity in nature.

Instructions:

  • Pick up your three stones and move them around in your hands. Describe how they feel in your head. 

  • Think of 3 things that you will aim to do this evening as part of looking after yourself. Mentally assign each thing to a stone.

  • You might pick basic things like eat dinner or brush your teeth. You could also pick things that you don’t usually do but would like to try.

  • Place the stones on the sand, one-by-one. As you place a stone, think about the thing you assigned to it.

5. Unconventionality

This principle is about breaking away from conventions and routine. As Japanese Zen gardens are inspired by the "naturalness" of nature, they can change and evolve unpredictably. They are a reminder of the value of "going with the flow" and being responsive to change.

Instructions:

  • Use your rake to make patterns between the stones. Don't overthink it - just move your rake around without thinking about it too much.

  • If you feel comfortable to do so, take 5 deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try moving the rake around in time with your breaths. 

Learn mindfulness techniques through a downtime activity

or a “mental health hobby”

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© 2024 Trish the Human

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