Strategy for a Zen Garden

If your everyday life makes you feel stressed and you need a way to relax, try meditating with a Zen garden. A Zen garden embodies peace, tranquility and contemplative thought. Zen gardens, also called rock gardens, are generally made with very simple components, such as sand and small rocks. Drag a rake across the sand to experience the calming effects of the garden.

Tray

Select a tray for your Zen garden. Determine the tray size based on how large your home, porch or yard is. Small trays work just as well as large ones, and you can store small trays indoors under your desk or in the closet. Choose a shallow tray for easy access to the sand inside. Plastic cat litter boxes are an inexpensive choice for a Zen garden tray. Aluminum baking pans work well, too. If desired, it is also possible to construct the tray yourself using plywood or almost any other wood type.

Sand

Use clean, white sand to fill the tray almost to the top. Craft sand is usually available at large hobby stores, or you may find it at a garden center. Beach sand is also ideal, and using it costs you nothing. Once you fill the tray with sand, smooth out the sand to make a completely flat surface.


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Rocks

Pick out two to five rocks for the Zen garden. Choose rocks that you like to look at and that are the proper size for the tray. Small, polished pebbles or sparkling gemstones are equally ideal. The stones should be attractive to you and should help you relax when you look at them. Look for stones outdoors, in parks, in forests or on the beach. If necessary, you can buy rocks at craft or garden stores.
   

Using the Zen Garden

Select a small rake for the Zen garden, such as a fork, comb or trowel. If you do not have an acceptable rake, just running your fingers through the sand is often very relaxing. To use the Zen garden, trail the rake through the sand slowly. Make long, straight lines or small circles. As you rake, forget your worries and let yourself relax. When you finish using the Zen garden, smooth the sand out and leave the rake in the tray so it is ready for its next use.

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