Have you observed a child playing in the soil in the garden?
They tend to first knit their fingers through the soil, fully experiencing its textures. Once they have sufficiently satisfied their curiosity, they might add some water.
Mixing it through, and then rubbing it between their fingers can feed another sensory node.
But sometimes this is not enough. The need to further explore can eventually lead them to smell the dirt or even taste it.
They are so focused on what they need to do that you would be hard-pressed to get their attention. Try calling them; they will politely just ignore you.
Besides being in a mindful state while playing, they are also fully immersed in reconnecting with nature, using all their senses.
When was the last time you were fully immersed in a natural habitat?
The mental health charity Mind in the UK says spending time in green spaces and planting food and flowers is immensely healthy. It can have positive effects on our mood and reduce our stress levels.
To create a garden that can help you switch off and become more mindful, you should consider addressing all five senses.
Touch, smell, taste, sound, and sight should all be included in your mini-paradise. A sensory sanctuary helps you tune into your surroundings, allowing you to switch off from the stressors of daily life.
Touch
And certainly we created mankind from an extract of clay.”
Qur’an 23: 12
There’s just something about getting your hands dirty in the soil. Perhaps because, on some level, we come from there.
Getting dirty and tending plants is a sensory practice in itself; enhance this by finding different-textured ones.
Aloes and plants with hairy or shiny leaves can all add to your mindful experience. Don’t stop there, though.
Use pebbles or clay tiles to create pathways between your different types of foliage. Walk barefoot in the soil and on the pebbled pathways for an uplifting and comforting connection to nature.
Sound
We all have days when we struggle to concentrate.
Sometimes I listen to the sounds of rain or a waterfall on some app to help me find my balance again.
But we don’t have to do this via an app or YouTube with a mindful garden in place.
Attract birds to your garden by hanging bird feeders or putting water baths in shaded spots.
Pretty soon you will have a cacophony of beautiful sounds that instantly make you feel calm.
In early autumn, nothing beats the crunching sound of leaves under your feet as you stroll in your garden.
Taste
During the past pandemic, we learned the importance of having some sort of food security.
Planting a garden that can have edible plants, flowers, and vegetables will not only enhance our mindful garden but also add an element of food security.
Besides, growing your own food is a magical affair in itself.
Watching your plants develop from seed as you nurture, water, and watch them grow into something edible is a satisfying experience.
What about adding a community element to this?
Consider planting fruit trees or a small vegetable patch on your front lawn or porch where people who walk by can have access to it.
Feeding your community has immense rewards and blessings.
Having on hand an endless supply of beans, tomatoes, Swiss chard, and salad leaves means we spend less money at the supermarket.
This means we avoid considerable amounts of plastic packaging, which adds another dimension to your mindful experience.
If you feel this is too much work, then start a small herb garden. Nothing beats some freshly picked mint for your steaming hot cuppa.
Smell
What is the first thing we all do when we receive or pick out a bunch of flowers? We hold it close to our noses so we can inhale the sweet natural scents.
Depending on the type of scents you like, you can plant jasmine and lavender which can almost instantly restore calm as you sniff them.
Roses, honeysuckle, tea trees, and citrus plants can be equally uplifting.
Try planting strong-scented herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil. Scents tend to ground us, and you don’t have to rush out and buy strongly scented plants or flowers if that is not your thing.
But, don’t forget about the earthy smell of the ground after a good downpour or the smell of freshly cut grass. All these are easily obtainable in most gardens.
Sight
The color green is considered to be the most restful color for the eye.
There is something uplifting about looking out of your window and seeing some greenery as you work.
If you live in an apartment block, you could even utilize a small corner in your home if you don’t have an outside space.
Buy a few small pot plants and arrange them in a space. Even a dull concrete balcony can be transformed into an oasis of calm.
Upcycle wooden pallets and plant an array of colorful flowers in them so that they catch your eye while you work or even cook.
Scatter some brightly colored cushions or shop for interesting knickknacks at garage sales or flea markets. Old tea cups and vintage pots are perfect for an herb collection.
Whatever it takes to make you smile when you look at the space you have created for yourself.
The oasis that you decide to create, whether it’s a small corner in a room or a garden overhaul, should help develop your green fingers and your overall well being.
A garden should be your retreat, a place of escape, and also increase your gratitude for Allah’s beautiful creations.
It’s no wonder our final reward will be gardens in Jannah.
The article is from our archives.