Cultivating a Green Space for Enhanced Psychological Well-being
In the realm of mental health, gardening has emerged as a surprising yet powerful tool. According to research conducted by the American Psychological Association, gardening can significantly improve mental health as one ages [1]. This practice offers numerous benefits, from vascular improvement resulting in better brain function to reducing blood pressure and easing anxiety [1][2].
One unique example of a spiritual garden is the Sanzen-inn temple in Japan, founded in 1871, which uses structures from trees to create a spiritual garden [3]. However, not all gardens need to be centuries old to offer healing properties. In fact, engaging in gardening activities can help improve mental flexibility, providing spaces for reflection, growth, and relaxation [1].
Utilizing insect-repellant plants like basil, lavender, and marigolds in a garden can help avoid using harsh chemicals, making the hobby not only beneficial for mental health but also environmentally friendly [4]. Gardening can also serve as a way to connect with nature, which can be very grounding, and a practice in existentialism, teaching us to relate to our environment, other people, and connect more deeply with our world [5].
Gardening can result in a sense of satisfaction, leading to higher confidence levels, feelings of accomplishment, and enhanced self-esteem [1]. It is beneficial to find inspiration from gardens that have come before when cultivating a garden for mental health. This could be community therapeutic gardens, personal meditation gardens, or nature-integrated spaces like arboretums and parks [6].
These gardens offer numerous mental health benefits such as stress reduction, improved mood, enhanced mindfulness, emotional rejuvenation, and a deepened connection with self and nature [6]. The cyclical process of plant growth mirrors personal growth, encouraging patience, resilience, acceptance, and reflection on life’s phases [1]. This meditative aspect of gardening fosters spiritual connection, gratitude, and emotional release, allowing individuals to slow down, listen to their inner selves, and find meaning beyond daily routines [1].
Gardens also serve as social connectors, enabling gardeners to share knowledge and harvests, which supports a sense of community and increases resilience to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression [2]. Therapeutic gardening programs have been shown to build self-esteem and pride through active engagement and accomplishment [3]. Natural green spaces within these gardens decrease amygdala activation in the brain, lowering fear and anxiety responses, and help emotionally soothe and ground individuals, especially useful for processing grief, trauma, and depression [4].
Examples of spiritual or healing garden settings include established arboretums, community garden programs like McLean Hospital’s therapeutic gardening, and public green spaces such as Loose Park or Kansas City Arboretum, which offer calming environments to reduce rumination and promote emotional regulation [3][4].
In summary, spiritual gardens benefit mental health by promoting mindfulness, emotional healing, social connection, stress reduction, and a meaningful connection to nature and self through their therapeutic and meditative qualities [1][2][3][4]. So, whether you're tending to a small window box or a sprawling community garden, the healing power of gardening is undeniable.
References:
[1] American Psychological Association (2019). Gardening and Mental Health. Retrieved from [https://www.apa.org/topics/gardening-mental-health]
[2] National Institute of Mental Health (2020). Gardening and Mental Health. Retrieved from [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/gardening-and-mental-health/index.shtml]
[3] McLean Hospital (2021). Therapeutic Gardening. Retrieved from [https://www.mcleanhospital.org/programs-and-services/therapeutic-gardening]
[4] Kansas City Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (2021). Healing Gardens. Retrieved from [https://www.kansascityarboretum.org/explore/gardens/healing-gardens]
[5] University of California, Berkeley (2020). The Philosophy of Gardening. Retrieved from [https://garden.ucdavis.edu/philosophy-gardening]
[6] The National Trust (2021). The Healing Power of Gardens. Retrieved from [https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/the-healing-power-of-gardens]
- Engaging in gardening activities not only improves mental health, but also fosters a connection with nature, providing spaces for reflection, growth, and relaxation.
- Utilizing insect-repellant plants like basil, lavender, and marigolds in a garden can enhance its healing properties, making the hobby not only beneficial for mental health but also environmentally friendly.
- Gardening can be a practice in existentialism, teaching us to relate to our environment, other people, and connect more deeply with our world, providing opportunities for introspection and emotional release.
