Discover Serenity: Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Meditation Space | Neighbor

Finding serenity and calm in our daily lives can be a challenge; amidst work obligations and overly-packed schedules, we are staying busier than ever. An absence of inner peace can eventually catch up with us and affect our mental and even physical health, so it’s important to implement practices that help cultivate serenity.

One of the best ways to de-stress and reset is to be outside with nature—and what easier way to do that than at your own home? Creating an outdoor meditation space in your garden is simpler than you may think. Take a look at our guide to discover how to create an outdoor space poised for peace, relaxation, and mindful meditation.

Designing Your Garden Meditation Space

In order to curate a customized garden meditation space, consider natural elements that help you feel relaxed. You don’t have to build an extravagantly decorated space—sometimes, simpler is better, especially if you are trying to dispose of mental clutter.

Creating a tranquil meditation space will not only help you reduce stress; serenity plays a significant role in maintaining mental health, enhancing focus and productivity, and even improving physical health. Your garden can become a haven for serenity and inner peace, all you have to do is be intentional about your design choices.

Zen Garden Inspiration

Designing a zen garden will help you focus on cultivating inner peace. Zen gardens are known for their simplicity; simple, natural elements create a sense of balance and harmony while resonating a sense of stillness and peace.

Traditional zen gardens often feature gravel or raked sand to mimic the movement of water. Additionally, consider strategically placing rocks or stones to imitate mountains and islands, keeping in mind that asymmetry is a key element of zen design. Low-maintenance plants such as evergreens or bonsai trees will add a touch of greenery without overwhelming the space.

Greenery as a Foundation

Greenery can play a significant role in your meditation space; using greenery such as lush plants, shrubs, and flowers creates a natural and vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the color green is often associated with calmness and serenity.

Greenery also provides a multi-sensory experience, as smell plays an important role in creating a peaceful environment. Look for plants with soothing scents, such as lavender or eucalyptus, as well as plants that are known for air-purifying qualities such as peace lily or aloe vera.

Outdoor Living Room Concept

Want your outdoor space to feel like an extension of your living room? Creating an “outdoor living room” is a great way to utilize your garden or patio functionally. In order to achieve a warm and inviting space, invest in quality outdoor furniture that will last for many years to come. Comfortable seating that’s easy to rearrange, such as Neighbor’s Haven Collection, will help you utilize your space well while fostering a cozy and inviting environment.

Bringing the Indoors Out

In order to bring a sense of warmth and comfort into the outdoors, consider elements that you would use in your indoor space. Accessories such as rugs or throw pillows will add a personal touch to your outdoor area, and will help it feel more like a cozy living room. In addition, be sure to look for outdoor-friendly furniture that complements the overall aesthetic of your meditation space, taking colors, textures, and materials into consideration.

Blurring Boundaries

Blending the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces will create a seamless transition that enhances the overall flow and appeal of your home. This happens best when you strategically place light sources such as large windows or glass doors, allowing natural light to flow into the meditation area. You can also use architectural features, such as archways or large windows, to frame areas of your outdoor space.

Focal Points and Symbolism

Incorporating focal points in your zen garden or outdoor space can provide visual interest in addition to deepening a sense of calm and tranquility. A reflection pool, rock arrangements, or a sculpture can add artistry and interest to your outdoor space. Additionally, consider focal points with symbolic or spiritual significance, such as bonsai trees, which represent harmony and balance, or a mandala, which represents unity and cosmic order.

Japanese Influences

Japanese garden principles emphasize simplicity, balance, and a deep connection to nature, making its influence a perfect model for a serene outdoor environment. After researching your outdoor space’s growing zone, consider planting Japanese maple trees or cherry blossom trees, which symbolize the transience of life. The use of bamboo, lanterns, or a water feature are additional ways to bring a Japanese touch and a sense of tranquility to your space.

Lighting for Ambiance

Lighting can significantly shift or enhance the overall mood and ambiance of an outdoor space, so it’s important to consider when creating a meditative area. Soft, warm lighting works best to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Try string lights, lanterns, or candles in your backyard to create a space that feels peaceful and meditative. The Acorn Lantern is portable, making it easy to bring wherever you want when trying to find "the right" meditation environment.

Enhancing Comfort with Outdoor Furniture and Structures

Creating a comfortable and inviting outdoor space requires thoughtful consideration of each element—from furniture to accessories, landscaping to lighting. The right combination of furniture and structures can significantly enhance the overall experience of tranquility and relaxation. Take a look at our suggestions for seating and accessory options that will maximize your space and allow you to relax in style.

Comfortable Seating Options

When it comes to seating, comfort is perhaps the top priority. There are a variety of options for seating that are suitable for meditation, such as meditation cushions, ergonomic chairs, or plush outdoor sofas. It’s important to choose seating that supports proper posture and ensures comfort during extended meditation sessions. The Terra Collection is all of this plus it harmoniously blends into the environment, upholding the serenity of a perfect meditation space.

Hammocks for Ultimate Relaxation

A hammock can offer a quiet place of rest and tranquility in your backyard, and installing one is easier than you may think. Swinging in a hammock can allow you to feel like you’re in a personal oasis, right in your own backyard. The gentle swaying can contribute to a sense of calm and serenity—you may even begin to think you’re on vacation.

Pergolas and Gazebos

Both pergolas and gazebos can be excellent additions to your outdoor meditation area, as they provide points of interest, increase the level of shade, and create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. A pergola typically gives an open and airy feel, while a gazebo gives a more enclosed structure and better protection from the elements.

Incorporating a Fire Pit

A fire pit not only provides warmth; the flickering flames on a cool evening can have a calming effect and provide a focal point for meditation. Consider positioning your fire pit as a focal point and primary feature of your meditative space. Neighbor’s Rook Fire Table offers a sculptural rounded design and a modern teak wood lid.

DIY Projects for a Personalized Touch

Do-it-yourself projects may seem overwhelming, but they can be incredibly rewarding as they allow you to bring a personal touch to your outdoor meditation space. DIY projects reflect your personal preferences and personality, so they’re a great way to individualize your garden or patio. Consider these DIY projects, which will enhance the overall mood and serenity of your outdoor area.

Crafting a Meditation Cushion

Crafting a meditation cushion, also known as a zafu, can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Choose a fabric that is sturdy and durable, or a fabric like Sunbrella that is both fade-proof and stain-resistant. Buckwheat hulls are commonly used as a filler, and you can sew your cushion with a sewing machine or by hand.

Building a Koi Pond

A DIY koi pond sounds daunting, but the water feature can enhance your backyard experience with an elevated sense of tranquility. After determining a suitable location and size, you will need to excavate the area and add a pond liner before managing a filtration and circulation system for the water. The water quality will need to be tested regularly to ensure the health and safety of your koi fish.

Stone Pathways for Mindful Walking

Creating a stone pathway is an excellent DIY project, and the final product will result in a designated area for walking meditation. After creating a layout design, you can utilize flat stones or pebbles to inlay the design into the ground. You will have to check for levelness and fill any gaps with sand before enjoying your walkway.

Integrating Meditation and Yoga Practices

Meditation and yoga practices are both great ways to connect with nature in an outdoor space. Learning and implementing these practices can help you build a harmonious routine that enhances physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. With a thoughtfully designed outdoor space, you can enjoy an area to practice both meditation and yoga in the comfort of your own home.

Dedicated Yoga Space

When designing an outdoor living space, consider designating a specific area solely for meditation or yoga practice. Look for areas with level ground, natural light, and soft surfaces like grass that will connect you to the earth.

Creating a Yoga Corner

If you are working with a smaller space, consider creating a designated corner or alcove for your yoga practice. Proper organization such as storage or thoughtful arrangement of yoga mats will help you maximize the functionality of a smaller space while maintaining a serene atmosphere.

Balancing Elements

Creating a balanced and harmonious meditative outdoor space will complement and enhance your yoga or meditation practices. Look for elements that provide a sense of serenity and calmness; for example, consider the use of a fire pit or warm-colored decor for grounding, or incorporate a water feature or cool-toned elements for a calming effect.

Benefits of Outdoor Living for Meditation and Yoga

Yoga and meditation enhance a sense of calm and well-being—and trying these practices outdoors will greatly increase these benefits. Nature is meant to be enjoyed, and our body needs natural elements such as sunlight to regulate our emotions. Fresh air and natural light can invigorate the mind and body, and contribute to increased energy levels and improved focus. Your backyard meditation space is a perfect environment to soak in these benefits.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to designing an outdoor area, consider elements that will increase your sense of calm, tranquility, and inner peace. Designing a meditation or yoga space doesn’t have to be difficult—by incorporating these elements, you will start reaping the benefits of creating a sacred space. A backyard can be a daily retreat from stress and worries, and it begins with planning and deciding how to personalize the space as your own. To learn more about how Neighbor can help you customize your outdoor meditation space, check out our high-quality, durable, and sustainable pieces and creative backyard design.