Today's life is hectic. It is getting harder to find the time to just take a breath and center yourself for even 15 minutes each day. With all of the distractions life has, it has become even more important to have a place to go to that will allow you to step away from chaos and find some inner peace. It is not as hard as it sounds to create a little haven away from the distractions of life in your own backyard. All it takes is a little planning.
Step One - Create the idea of the Space
Look around your yard and see if you can define a small space. You may be able to define some little odd-shaped area that isn't being used much. It could be an area behind the garage or a side yard that is neglected. Many yards have these little hidden corners that make a perfect "meditation corner" for most of us. You get the bonus of your own private space and making good use of a place that previously was probably weedy or neglected.
Step Two- Define your Materials
You will want to create a short wall to help define your meditation area. You don't need to spend a lot of money to do this and it will define the area for you and create a sense of privacy. This can be done with old railroad ties, leftover bricks from a neighbors rebuilding project, or second hand building material. There are many local sites like Craigs List that have a freebie section that have stuff like this all the time. Another great new material are interlocking concrete bricks that can just be setup, filled with earth and plants, and you are done!
Step Three- Create the Space
Building a small retaining wall, about a foot high, is a quick weekend project that will give you lots of satisfaction. The interlocking bricks I mentioned above would probably be the fastest way to go, as you can just build and fill if you are not using them to build a retaining wall to hold back a hill, just to define your space. They even come in curved bricks to make a circular wall for your retreat. For more information on materials and tools be sure to check out my to-do list on http://interlockingretainingwall.com/concrete-retaining-wall.
Step Four - Promote the Mood with Plants and more
Add some plants to soften the place. This is easily done with the interlocking bricks, or you can leave space between railroad ties or bricks for little plants. Maybe you have a favorite tree that is nearby that will allow you to drop some windchimes into your space. Maybe a little indoor/outdoor sisal rug will make it cozy. Let your imagination go and find the things that make it your space. Don't put this off until later, you want it to be somewhere you can go to at a moments notice and feel at home.
As you can see, it is easier than you thought to make a little quiet corner just for you to get away from the stress of daily life. Do it this weekend - you will be glad you did!
